Homily For Saturday Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 3rd February, 2024

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

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emeike Onyia.

 

LORD MAKE US RESPONSIBLE LEADERS WITH LISTENING HEARTS

 

Humanity is 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 worse with the ugly situation in our world today where humanity seems lost, confused and sick as a result of our greed and 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 kept 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 fulfils 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 such leader is the person of Solomon in our first reading today. 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 these 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 kings the world has ever known.

 

Dear friends, humanity needs leaders with listening hearts and discerning spirits just like Solomon, for the hopeless and ugly situation in our world today are good indication that we are just floating in this world like sheep without a responsible shepherd. 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.

 

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, make us responsible leaders with listening hearts and guide us once again towards the path of truth, love and fulfilment even amid all the confusion in our world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed weekend.