Homily of the Saturday of the 1st week in Advent Year C.
Memoria of St. Ambrose, Bishop
By Fr. Williams Onyilo CSSp
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1,5a,6-8.
Our world today, especially in third-world countries, is burdened with numerous challenges: hunger, poverty, conflicts, human trafficking, natural disasters, wars, illnesses, oppression, broken homes, and shattered relationships, among others. Many individuals and organisations strive to alleviate or eradicate these hardships. For Christians, we believe Christ’s mission was to lighten these burdens and save humanity from eternal damnation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us, saying, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus demonstrates his compassion by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and liberating the oppressed, all without asking for payment. He embodied selfless love, helping those in need. Similarly, Bishop Ambrose, whom we celebrate today, followed Christ’s example. History tells us he gave his wealth to the poor, donated his land to the Church, and resolved conflicts between the church and the Arians without personal gain, earning his bishopric through his virtues. His consecration as bishop, occurring within a week of baptism, equally illustrates the simplicity of early Christianity.
The early missionaries in Nigeria also tried their best to bring Christ close to the people. Many of our grandparents testify to their love and compassion in serving the poor. Sadly, today, the Christian faith has become burdensome for many, especially the poor, as church members are often charged or even extorted for services once freely given. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, “Freely you have received; freely give.” May Christ touch our hearts, inspiring us to return to his teachings of love, simplicity, and compassion. Amen.
