HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II. 31.07.2020.

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Readings: Jerimiah 26:1-9; Psalm 69 and Matthew 13:54-58.


REJECTING AND RESISTING GOD’S MESSAGE

 

Have we ever felt rejected by our political or religious leaders who ought to carter for our needs? Some may say it has become the norms of the day. What about rejection coming from your tribal people, relatives, families and close friends? Have we ever had such feelings of rejection that even when we are at our best, people fail to recognize us? Or that feeling of rejection when no one calls or send text messages to us? Those with experiences of this nature will have a deeper understanding of what it means for a prophet and his message to be rejected as seen in the readings of today.

 

In the first reading, the Lord sent his prophet Jeremiah to “

 

It was an unpleasant message to the people, as it appears, a prophecy of destruction that God will make his house and the city like Shiloh if they fail to listen to him. 1 Samuel chapter 4 present to us the destruction of Shiloh by the Philistine and how the ark was captured. Psalm 78:56-64 express how God rejected Israel because of their sins, he forsook his dwelling in Shiloh, the tent where he used to dwell on earth and how their priests and soldiers fell by the sword. After hearing this message, the priest and the prophet and all the people of Judah laid on him saying, “You shall die!” they rejected the message of God and were hostile to the prophet. Their hearts were so hardened and engrossed with sin.

 

Similarly in the gospel, Christ as a King, Priest and Prophet returned to his home town, where he taught the people in the synagogue that they were astonished and said, “

 

While God sent his prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah, they expressed rejection of the prophet and his prophecies, he came himself to his hometown, his own people expressed resistance and rejection. Today he speaks to us to put an end to that habitual sin of ours. Are we to harden our hearts too? How long are we going to continue to act like the people of Judah or Nazareth, rejecting and resisting the message of God? Let us belief and trust in God, for when we do this, we will experience his mighty works in our lives. May God help us through Christ our Lord. Amen! Peace be with you!

 

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ

Location: Papalanto, Nigeria

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