Homily for 15th Sunday, Year B. {14/07/2024}
The secrets to being happy, holy, fulfilled and victorious in life are contained in today’s gospel reading. In line with today’s gospel reading, just as Jesus called and sent his apostles out into the world on a mission, so too, each of us is called and sent into the world for a mission. Our fundamental mission on earth is to know God, spread love and be happy in life. In sending the apostles into the world, Jesus gave his apostles few important instructions, which we can learn from.
1) Jesus sent them out two by two: This signifies team work. Brothers and sisters, in this life, team work is the best. Nobody can survive alone. No man is an island. We need each other. Together, we can achieve greatness. Jesus didn’t send them on mission as individuals. Jesus values teamwork. To work as a team, we must remove envy, competition, pride and gossip.
2) Jesus gave them authority over unclean Spirit: This signifies that we have all it takes to be victorious in life. Through baptism, We have been given the same authority. It is for us to make use of it. With this great authority, you have no reason to be afraid of any attack, evil force or the devil. We are champions.
3) Jesus told them to take a staff with them: This signifies prayer. The staff is used for support while walking and tired and it is used to chase away animals on the way. That is what prayer also does for us. Prayer is our support in our journey of life and when hope is lost. Prayers brings us protection from God. Prayer is powerful. We cannot do without prayers. Prayer changes things.
4) Jesus told them not to carry anything, no bag, no bread, no money, no clothes: This signifies total trust in God for provision. Remember, God is our great provider and will always provide our needs. Don’t put your trust in material things. This instruction also signifies the need to travel light always, especially mentally, existentially and emotionally . We carry so many loads in our heads and hearts and they weigh us down. We are stressed, ill, worried, depressed, frustrated. Drop those loads. Trust in God.
5) Jesus told them to shake off the dust from their feet when rejected: This signifies a big lesson on how to handle failure and rejection in life. Jesus knew they will experience failure and rejection and He knows we will also experience it. It is part of life. In this life, not everybody will like you or accept you. Don’t let it disturb you. Shake it off and move on. Also, don’t focus on your failure. Failure is not final or fatal. Don’t give up. You will shine in this life.
Brothers and sisters, let’s pray: May God help us to be happy and fulfilled in life. May God give us the courage to overcome obstacles in life, through Christ Our Lord amen.
Rev. Fr. Kris Ikegwuonu, MDM (Fr. Galala). [08034357990]
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