Be Prophets of Truth – 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Reflection from Sermon

Sunday, February 3, 2013 – 4th Sunday of Ordinary – Fr. Francis Destiny Amenuvor

1. Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

2. John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

3. The truth can be hurtful, Christ proclaimed the truth about Himself in His hometown but the people could not accept IT & Him

4. When we do not speak the truth we will not be free & when the truth is told we will be in trouble.

5. Nobody enjoys situation of suspicion & conflict, so do not enjoy the temporary relief not telling the truth will give you.

6. It is not easy to be a prophet of truth, at times the price to pay for speaking the truth is grave. The prophet of truth is bound to lose something, status, friends, fame, relationships.

7. Pilate knew that Christ was sinless but because he was afraid to lose the friendship of Ceasar he committed that abominable sin. We remember him for that. Anytime we pray the Apostles Creed we recall that deed, He suffered under Pilate.

8. But in the 1st reading God promises us that He will be with us.

9. The Gospel shows us a vivid picture of what speaking the truth can bring us, but we see how God will take care of those He has dedicated and appointed as prophets. And we see that Jesus just passed among them & left them and no harm came to Him.

10. How many of us are ready to speak the truth & stand up for Christ.

11. Where are prophetic parents, senior citizens, – are we looking on as wrong is perpetuated. Am I afraid to tell her that her dressing to Church is not right. Am I afraid to tell the politician that He is wrong.

12. FIRST READING – Jeremiah 1:4–5, 17–19

The word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

But do you gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; for it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against its priests and people. They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

13. GOSPEL-Luke 4:21–30

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying:

“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

14. As Catholic we have been appointed as Prophets & we should live and act as one.

15. Our Theme for Restoration is Porta Fiedei – open the Doors of Faith. This is the Theme of the Church this year.

16. Reason for the Holy Father’s choice of this theme was because this year marks 20th year of the publication of our Catechism. We are expected to go back to Catechism & learn and renew our faith in the Holy Trinity.

17. It commentates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II.

18. It year is for more to come back to Christ. We should open the door & window of faith again. Rediscover & renew our relationship with Christ & His Church.

19. At the beginning of Vatican II, Pope John 23rd said it is time to open the doors of the Church to allow the Spirit of God to blow through it. He wanted a Charismatic Movement with the Church. He wanted it as a movement not us a group, the Charismatic Movement in the Church

20. We form the Church & we should allow the Spirit to work through us

21. God tells us not to be afraid, Jer 1:19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

22. When we think about fear of the effects of speaking truth, we should trust in Jesus. Trust & Obey

23. We should Trust in Jesus & be Prophets of Truth.

24. The Homily was fill with songs.