Homily
– Friday of the 18th week in Ord. Time Year B Fr. Udoekpo, Michael
v Nahum 2:1,3; 3:1-3,6-7
v Deut(Ps): 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41
v Matt 16:24-28
The
Lord Will Restore the Pride of Israel and the Vine of Jacob
The first
reading today, the Prophet Nahum, which we don’t read often , together with Habakkuk
and Zephaniah could be classified as not only part of the 12 Minor Prophets(Dodekapropheton),
but among the Late Pre-exilic prophets.
Nahum,
in particular, like the Gospel of today, Matthew 16:24-28, seem to remind us
the paradox of being a child of God, or of being a disciple of Christ. It comes
with all forms of daily challenges, the willingness to bear suffering and
persecution patiently till the end---- that, carrying our daily crosses after
Christ.
Even
though as we read or heard the dooming language and prophecy of Nahum against
Israel’s enemies, especially the Assyrians, the Ninevites, and the ugliness,
and scary sounds of their war instruments, underlining these, pains, threats
and suffering is the promise of the saving power of God.
For Nahum, the Lord will comfort (Nahum-
comfort s his name implies) and deliver the remnant of Israel. They have the
cause to rejoice as a result of this. He says to them “Celebrate your feasts, O
Judah, and fulfill your vows! For never more shall you be invaded by the
scoundrel; he is completely destroyed. The Lord will restore the vine of Jacob,
the pride of Israel.”
Similarly,
in the Gospel, stressing the importance of
suffering, endurance, courage, bearing our crosses Jesus says to his disciples,
and of course to each of us today, “whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose
it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it…” (Matt 16:24-28).
The
Prophet Nahum of the 12 Minor Prophets, and
Christ of the Matthew’s gospel today challenge us to reconsider, or know that
the sacrifices we make for the sake Christian faith, the values of Christ,
love, peace, mercy, compassion, hope,
and many more, will never be in vain. Even though we may be persecuted
for the sake of Christ, he will never abandon us. He will restore, us the vine
and the pride of the house of Jacob, the Church, a family of God’s people.
Reflection
Questions.
1.
Could
you think of different ways we may have suffered for the sake of the
Gospel/Christ?
2.
With
today’s readings, are you not being reassured of God’s love and restoration?
3.
In what
ways have you assisted in bringing hope to the despaired members of your faith
community?
