Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - January 24, 2021

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

Jonah 3:1-5,10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD, FOLLOW HIM AND LEAVE MATERIAL THINGS

Today being the third Sunday in ordinary time calendar of the Church, we mark the sunday of the word of God as declared by pope Francis in 2019. We are encouraged today to pay more attention to the word of God we hear everyday and act accordingly.

In the first reading, we see the prophecy of Jonah, who was sent by God to preach the gospel of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Niveveh as it has been described was truly a notorious city where every sin and atrocity which can be imagined took place. It is only true prophets that can preach about sin and repentance. Most self acclaimed pastors of today only preach about prosperity and breakthrough. Jonah had initially thought that the people would not listen to him. On the contrary, the people were remorseful, they proclaimed a fast and put on sack clothes.

This follows closely the instructions of St Paul in the second reading. We seem to be so concerned about enjoying ourselves in sin that we do not care about the type of life we live. We crave for material possessions as if we will never die. We are told in the gospel of Luke 12:14-15, to seek first the kingdom of God. Every other thing will be added including material  things and enjoyment.

In the gospel reading, we see that the Apostles Jesus chose understood this very well. They listened to the voice of Jesus who called them and answered. It is very clear how they left all material possessions to follow Jesus. Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus, James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat and followed Jesus. They left the fish, the money they would have made from it and their family, for the sake of the kingdom. This is what Jesus asks of us today. Jesus speaks everyday, but many of us are unable to hear or listen to him because of our crave for material things. May God give us the grace to listen to him and keep his word. Amen.

Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP