Homily For Saturday of The Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 5th February, 2021, The Memorial of St. Agatha

 Homily For Saturday of The Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 5th February, 2021, The Memorial of St. Agatha

Readings: 1Kings 3:4-13; Ps.119; Mark 6:30-34

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 HUMANITY IN NEED OF RESPONSIBLE SHEPHERD

Humanity are constantly in need of one thing or the other, we are never tired of searching for things that will satisfy our desires for physical and spiritual well being. This is even worst with the ugly situation in our world today were humanity are lost, confused and sick as a result of what we have created out of our selfish desires. This can be likened to the situation and condition of the people in our Gospel passage today of which Jesus and his disciples devoted time trying to attend to them. 

But when the situation keep increasing Jesus said to his disciples you must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.  As they went through their boat, the people went after them on foot. So as Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them for they were like sheep without a shepherd and he healed their sickness and taught them for a while.

Here, Jesus fulfills his role as the expected messiah who is to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases. The teaching and healing touch of Jesus reveals to us that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his people. This is very important because God has never abandoned his people for he will always send helpers or leaders who will stand in for the good of his people. 

One of such leaders is the person of Solomon in our first reading today. For Solomon having succeeded his father David, asked God in prayers saying: “give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?” God was very pleased with this request and granted him more than he requested which made Solomon one of the greatest King the world has ever known.

Dear friends, humanity needs leaders with listening hearts and discerning spirit just like Solomon, for the hopeless and ugly situation in our world today are good indications that we are just floating in this world like sheep without a responsible Shepard. Thus, we need to come to Jesus our true and Good Shepherd. We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the love of Jesus our Lord, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. For these are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us so much. 

We should learn from St Agatha of Sicily whose memorial we celebrate today, for Agatha, who from her very early years was notably beautiful. And because of her love for Jesus, she dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. But this did not stop men from desiring her. One of the men who desired Agatha was Quintianus, and because he was of a high diplomatic ranking, thought he could force her to turn away from her vow and so force her to get married. His persistent proposals were consistently turned down by Agatha. 

So Quintianus, knowing she was a Christian during the persecution of Christians by Decius, had her arrested and brought before the judge. Too bad for Agatha, because, Quintianus was also the Judge. Hence, he sentenced Agatha to prison in a brothel to see if she will change her mind. But noticing that Agatha was enduring all the torture with a sense of cheer, he commanded she be subjected to a worse form of torture, he ordered that her breasts be cut off.  

In the midst of this torture, Agatha prayed to Jesus the good shepherd and committed her suffering soul in his care. And with tears falling from her eyes she died a virgin and martyr. Today she is the patron saint of Sicily, breast cancer patients, rape victims, wet nurses and a powerful intercessor for people who suffer from fire outbreaks.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we are lost in this passing world, as we come to you in need of your love and direction both physically and spiritually, guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even in the midst of all the confusion in our world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed weekend.