SUNDAY HOMILY, 2ND WEEK OF LENT / YEAR B
THEME: What can I not offer to God?
BY: Fr. Justus Oruh
(a) In almost every religion, in the traditional religions, the act of sacrifice occupies a central place of worship. Abraham already built altar for his sacrifice when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, which he had after a very long time of waiting. It was actually a serious test of his readiness to make the sacrifice. The man of many, Abraham could not withhold sacrificing to God whatever He would require from him. This readiness was seen in his replying “here I am” each time God called upon him.
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(b) God is also involved in this act of sacrifice. As we relatively see in Abraham ready to sacrifice Isaac, God absolutely and concretely gave in his His only begotten, Son Jesus Christ for our good. Such sacrifice can only come out of a loving heart, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” In Christianity, especially in the Catholic Church, the act of sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son goes on everyday in the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. The altar as Abraham built it, occupying the central place of worship, as seen in the Catholic Churches.
(c) What is it that I cannot sacrifice to God who did not hesitate to offer me His only begotten Son? Jesus and some apostles went to Tabor. He was transfigured in their presence. It was a very good atmosphere to behold, it was a comfortable place, it was wonderful to remain there as Peter pleaded. This comfort zone has to be foregone for the moment for Christ has to be first sacrificed for the redemption of all. What “comfort zone”, what good, can I not sacrifice by sharing for the good of others. Like Abraham, what can I not readily put up for the service of God? Our hearts of Love are alters where we make decisions to sacrifice something for the good of others in need. Lenten season is the time to make sacrifices. I offer God my weaknesses, my sins, anxieties and worries. May they be burnt offering unto Him. I offer God myself. May He accept me remould me and transfigure me as in Tabor. If we offer ourselves to Christ, He will readily take us with Him to Tabor where we will be transfigured with Him through this season and manifest His dazzling glory by Easter. God told Abraham, because you have done this, I will be a Blessing for you. We are blessing making great sacrifices to God.
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