Homily For Thursday Third Week of Lent Year B, 7th March, 2024

Readings: Jer. 7:23-28, Ps. 95, Luke: 11:14-23

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

 

ARE YOU GATHERING WITH THE LORD OR SCATTERING?

 

A critical reflection on how we have been journeying with the Lord in the midst of all the ugly situations going on in our country and the world today, it is time to examine our conscience to know if we are still truly with the Lord in this journey of faith. This is the question we need to constantly ask ourselves because not all those who are journeying with us share the same faith and destination with us. Thus, how to identify those who are with us on this journey, Jesus made it clear in our Gospel passage today.

 

In this Gospel, Jesus said, ‘he who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.’ This statement was made when the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law accused Jesus of using the power of Beelzebub to cast out other demons. Hence, Jesus rebuked them saying that the devil and demons would not have divided among themselves if they were to achieve their goal which is the destruction of humanity.

 

Dear friends, are we gathering with the Lord or scattering? Today as we listen to the words of God, we are called to turn back to God and abandon our sinful ways in order to remain and gather with the Lord and not scatter. Little wonder, in our first reading today, we heard prophet Jeremiah reminding us of the need to be with the Lord as we make our journey, thereby reminding us of the need to repent and to change our ugly ways of life. Therefore, we must make up our minds to follow the Lord. The world as we know is offering us so many things, good and bad alike.

 

But sometimes the options are so confusing and we must make choices. To make the right choice, we need to make a fundamental option that will form a solid base for all the choices we will be making in life. To make this fundamental option, we need to understand not just where we are physically but, where we are existentially in terms of our convictions, goals, desires, dreams and the destination of our soul in this journey of life.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we examine our conscience, help us to discover who we are and who we are journeying with. May we never be against you and your family the Church as we hope to remain united as one big family of faith, with one Father and one goal which is to be united with you in your heavenly kingdom. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful day.