HOMILIA: Ijumaa 3rd April

FRIDAY 3rd April 2020

5th Week of Lent

Homily by Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

Readings:

Jeremiah 20:10-13

John 10:31-42

Theme: Am Consecrated for a Mission

Dear friends in the Lord, good morning. The Gospel today present Jesus in the temple. He was actually awaiting the feast of the dedication of the temple. Jesus took this occasion to speak of His own consecration by the Father. So, too, Jeremiah the prophet in the first reading believed that he was consecrated by God to save his people. 

How do we know that we are consecrated for God’s mission?  Firstly, we need to receive the inner word of God.  This was the case of Jeremiah.  He heard the Lord calling him in spite of his inadequacy and his youth. Similarly, Jesus Christ was assured by the Father during his baptism at river Jordan. 

I may equate this mission to that of Blessed Virgin Mary- Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, she too said yes for the consecrated life.

We too must discern our calling in life.  Have we heard that inner voice from God calling us for a particular vocation or mission, or is it our own desire and ambition?  This is the first step of the discernment process.  In the case of Jeremiah, he heard the call so clearly that he could not resist even if he wanted to. We can't resist the call of God, for he has destined for us sanctity and salvation. God called them for a mission not self but for all people ( Mathew 28:19-20).

Secondly, if we claim that we have a divine mission or calling to serve our people, then we need to verify by the works we do.  When we truly serve the people and put their interests first before ours, then we can be more certain that we are called.  But if it is a question of serving our ambition and satisfying our ego and desires, then it shows that such a call is inauthentic.  It is in the process of graciously serving our people, uplifting their lives and giving them hope and meaning, that we know that this call is from the Lord.  When we have nothing to gain from our service, then we know that this call is genuine.

My dear friends, we are living in a world of many imposters. Recently we've heard many young men and women purporting to be Sisters, Seminarians, Deacons and Priests. Many of our Christians have been conned by fake Seminarians and Clergy. These people are within us and they know how we operate our Liturgy. 

We ought to ask God today being Friday as we shall culminate by the way of the Cross, that he may grant us the gift of discernment so that we may know our mission, either as a young lady, a mother, a father, religious or cleric. Above all, that we may know well our shepherds.

I plead with you today, please consecrate yourself, your family and friends to the Lord. Let's remember the blood and water that gushed from side of Jesus is our only strength.

May God bless your family during this test and hardship. Be still and remain connected to the Cross of Jesus Christ.

I remain yours in Christ.

Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

samnyonje.blogspot.com