Readings: Hosea 14:2-10; Ps. 51; Matt:10:16-23
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF OUR MISSION IN THIS PASSING WORLD
Reflecting on the ugly attitudes of humanity, especially in some ugly events that happen around us. How selfish, cruel and heartless people behave towards each other. Everywhere we see and hear of human wickedness, intimidation, manipulation, kidnapping, killing and different other immoral activities for the sake of power, fame, money and lustful desires. And anyone who tries to resist, challenge, correct, change or stop these ugly attitudes, becomes an object of elimination.
In fact, the evil ones are so cruel that sometimes we wish that God should wipe them away from the face of the earth, and when this does not come to pass, we complain and feel so helpless. Yet in the midst of all these ugly situations, we are required to continue to speak about God’s goodness, love, compassion and forgiveness. A very difficult task to do, especially when we are suffering as victims of the ugly situation.
Little wonder today in our Gospel passage, Jesus made known to his disciples the difficult nature of his mission, he taught them how to persevere in times of persecution, troubles, afflictions, and sufferings. He warns them that they will meet with hostility and hatred because of him, but they are to continue to bear witness to the Gospel values. Jesus said to them: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves.”
He said: Beware of men: for they will hand you over to lawless men and drag you before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; for what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.”
Hence, Jesus, knowing that the mission to change the sinful and ugly attitudes of humanity will be like sending a helpless sheep in the midst of hungry wolves, advised his disciples, as he advises us today, to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. He also gave us the ultimate reassurance and promise, that the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The truth is that, God still cares for humanity despite our sinful and ugly attitudes. This is evident in our first reading today, when we heard the Lord saying: Israel, come back to the Lord your God; your iniquity was the cause of your downfall. Provide yourself with words and come back to the Lord. Say to him, ‘Take all iniquity away so that we may have happiness again and offer you our words of praise
Dear friends, the circumstances in which Jesus invites us to share the Good News are quite challenging and difficult, especially now that the world is passing through difficult times, as families, societies, countries, and churches are badly affected by the ugly situation born out of the evil forces manifesting themselves in different forms, of which troubles and conflicts are affecting the whole world.
Yes, our sinful attitudes have brought humanity into destruction and death, but the Lord still loves us and wants us to repent from our sins and wickedness, so as to embrace his righteousness and mercy once again.
Therefore, just as Jesus was not abandoned by his Father in his hour of need, we too will not be abandoned in difficult times. Because God knows what we are passing through now. All we need to do is to listen to him speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. Remember, as helpless sheep in the midst of hungry wolves of this passing world, the greatest Gospel we can preach is the Gospel of love by our way of life even in the midst of the ugly attitudes of sinful humanity.
LET US PRAY: Lord God, may the Holy Spirit enlighten, strengthen and grant us the courage and strength to persevere in witnessing to the Gospel, especially in these difficult times. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a fruitful day
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