Fresh Dew Media

 16^TH SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “SENT TOGATHER AND NOT TO SCATTER”

INTRODUCTION:

Last Sunday we talked about the calling and sending of the Apostles to bring Christ, healing and the gospel message to the people; a mission we all share in various degrees as baptized Christians. And we cannot be available and yet God would still be searching for those who would take care of the physical and spiritual direction of his people. Today, we shall access our missionary success as shepherds and as Christians by the parameter of peaceful gathering of the faithful wherever we are or have worked.

THE FIRST READING (JER. 23: 1 – 6)

The first reading was a stern warning against shepherds or even Christians who scatter or who have been instrumental to the destruction and scattering of God’s sheep. This is accounted as evil in the sight of the Lord. Again, we must not on account of our carelessness, carefreeness, selfishness or idleness cost God his flock, and keep God always looking for faithful shepherds who will wisely, justly, righteously and generously care for his sheep.

THE SECOND READING (EPH. 2: 13 – 18)

In the second reading, St. Paul once more involved all the baptized, and all the brethren in Christ Jesus in the business of gathering and preserving the peace and unity of the flock won by the Cross of Christ. Christ has abolished every division and hostilities amongst people; every good shepherd or Christian must be an instrument of reconciliation, peace and oneness and not discord.

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 6: 30 – 34)

In the gospel reading, the twelve Apostles returned from the mission Christ sent them, giving account/testimony of all that they have done. While they were still talking, evidence/result of their missionary success began to manifest. People from the various places where they have worked kept gathering in their numbers that they could not find time to eat or rest.

CONCLUSION:

As shepherds and as Christians, the people we gather for Christ are important parameter of our success. How many people have you gathered for God? How many gatherings have you kept together intact for God? How many come or stay because you are involved? How many deserted the flock of Christ because of you? It is our love, our care, our concern, our compassion and sacrifice for the sheep that keep them around the sheepfold of Christ. But our hatred, selfishness, hurtful words and lack of compassion drive them away. Today, being sent to gather for Christ, we must ensure that at least, no one of Christ’s already gathered flock, goes missing or scattered on account of our unkindness, unkind words, unkind treatments, negligence and lack of love and compassion for them.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin