Homily For Friday Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C, 25th th November, 2022

 Readings: Rev. 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps.83, Luke:21:29-33

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW ARE WE INTERPRETING THE SIGNS OF THIS PASSING WORLD?

One of the doctors and mystics of the Church St. John of the Cross says that: the further you withdraw from earthly things the closer you approach heavenly things and the more you find yourself in God. This  advice will be very helpful as we come to the end of this liturgical year and about to embrace the season of Advent, when the Church calls our attention on the need to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Hence, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus tells us about the passing away of the things of this world and the dreadful events associated with it in relation to the end time events. He illustrates the signs of this event with the story of the fig tree, telling us to take notice of the signs of the times for they will help us to discern between what is of true value and what is passing away. For heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of the Lord  will never pass away.

Here Jesus, presents the final recommendations of the end time. He insists that we should pay rapt attention to the signs nature is giving us concerning the end time events, that these signs should lead to have hope founded firmly on the word of God which drives away fear and despair, knowing that the kingdom of God is very near to us. This is even more evidence in our first reading today, where we heard about the final defeat of the devil, the great enemy and deceiver of humanity. 

For he has been deceiving humanity by turning us away from our God and making us to believe that this world is our home. So we are reminded once again that all those who refuse to believe in God and chose to follow the devil and his false prophets will be destroyed and defeated completely. For he and his agents and those who follow him will be thrown into the burning lake of eternal darkness. While God’s faithful people will triumph victoriously into heaven as beautiful bride dressed for her husband.

Dear friends, how are we embracing the word of God we hear at this period? What signs are we seeing around us today? How can we interpret the signs of this times, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away? Do these signs make us to dread the second coming of the Lord or to joyfully embrace it in anticipation? Remember, the words of Jesus are truth that will never pass away. Therefore, Stand erect, hold your heads high, because our liberation is near at hand.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, humanity have been greatly deceived by the devil, who has made us to be so much attached to the things of this passing world. As we embrace your words this season, may our souls once again long and yearn for you our God, the living God. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. It’s Friday, may the joy of the Lord be our strength.