Homily for Saturday Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th August, 2021. The Memorial of St. Maximilian kolbe

 Homily for Saturday Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th August, 2021. The Memorial of St. Maximilian kolbe

Readings: Jos. 24:14-29; Ps. 16; Matt. 19:13-15

Rev. Fr.  Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

GOD IS THE ULTIMATE CHOICE

What determines our attitude and behaviour in life is our fundamental option, which has to do with our choice for or against God. This is a choice we make consciously or unconsciously that guides and shape our lives. Knowing the importance of this choice, Joshua had to make this option for himself and his family and also encouraging others to do the same when he said to the people of Israel "choose this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:14 -29).

 The choice for God is a choice for love, and a life of love is a sacrificial life neither easy nor comfortable. A kind of choice made by St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose memorial we celebrate today, for he heroically offered his life in place of another man who had been selected for execution, seeing how the man was filled with despair over the welfare of his wife and children. Maximilian being a priest chose to die in place of this man, so that he can be united once again with his family. What a great lesson and example for us to value that gift of love that God has given humanity in the sacramental union of marriage.

 Dear friends, to chose God, we must identify ourselves with Christ who is full of love, goodness and holiness and build a good relationship with others. We must learn to sacrifice in humility just like little children. Little wonder Jesus said in our Gospel passage: ‘Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ So, Jesus appreciate it when in childlike humility we make the fundamental option to serve him and to sacrifice for the good of others for we are called to taste and see that the Lord is good. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are called today to choose whom we will serve. As we make this fundamental option to serve you,  you help us to live by it all the days of our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It's another weekend, may the Holy Spirit guide and direct our activities.