Short homily for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: Divine Wisdom!
By: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Homily for Monday November 22 2021
(St Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr).
Dan.1:1-6,8-20; Luke 21:1-4
It’s not unusual to think that the best food for the body comprise fine wines and all kinds of meat. But in today’s first reading, Daniel, anxious not to defile his body, opted for vegetables and water for himself and his three brothers. After ten days, Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego), not only exhibited more wisdom, they also looked better than those who had eaten from the King’s table.
Friends, Cecilia, whose memorial we celebrate today, was a Roman girl of Patrician family, who always prayed, sang and fasted. Although she was betrothed to a pagan, Valerian, her firm resolve to remain a Virgin converted Valerian and his brother Tiburtius on her wedding day. These two men each received the Martyr’s crown before Cecilia for refusing to sacrifice to Jupiter. Cecilia was alive for three more days after her executioner’s blade failed to kill her after the three legal blows. In her pain and agony, she gave all her possessions to the poor. Her life is for us, an example of true divine wisdom. Like the four young Judaeans, the poor widow, and St Cecilia, we too must pray for divine wisdom to always make the best choices for the sake of God’s kingdom. Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your week ahead. St Cecilia, Patroness of Musicians, pray for Us.