Even the Dead Obey His Voice.

Homily for September 19, 2017


In yesterday’s reflection, we saw how Jesus praised the Centurion’s faith who acknowledged that Jesus is the true commander in chief of the whole universe. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus again proves his power and authority over everything by speaking to a dead man.

“Young man, I say to you, arise.”

And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And they gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God. Just as in the case of Lazarus, Jesus spoke and the dead obeyed. Dear friends, there is nothing, no problem, no situation or circumstance that is greater than what God can handle.

If the dead can hear and obey the voice of God, is there anything too difficult for God to handle?

Looking at the crisis and challenges our country Nigeria is faced with today, we can only look up to God for a way out. As the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria pointed out in their recent communique: “We… hereby make a passionate appeal to all our Christians and the rest of Nigerians not to lose hope... We are hopeful that Nigeria will survive the present hardship and will become the better for it. “And our hope does not disappoint us.” (Rom 5:5).

Like the helpless woman whose only son was carried out for burial, we can only sit and watch events unfold in this country praying that Jesus would look with compassion on our situation and speak words of restoration. This is our only hope. Let this scene of Jesus raising the dead man to life inspire our faith as we pray daily.

St. Paul in our first reading today outlines the qualities expected of one who “aspires to the office of bishop.” What I have come to understand is that in those days, it was possible to aspire to the office, now, things have changed! Those who aspire never get there. It is the office itself that aspires for its own candidates.

Moreover the qualities St. Paul mentions are qualities demanded of every Christian. We do not need to aspire to any office before we try to imbibe these qualities: temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, not drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, respectful, managing one’s children properly, not proud, having a good name and serious minded.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me a shining example in virtue to my brothers and sisters. Amen.

St. Januarius, pray for us.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study:  1st Timothy 3:1-13 and Luke 7:11-17.)*


Fr. Abu.

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