HOMILY OF MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 19 2026
By: Fr Joachim Uzochukwu C.S.Sp
Liturgical Color: Green Year: A(I).
Readings at Mass:
First reading
1Sam: 15: 16-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm: 49: 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel Acclamation: Mt : 1Th: 2:13
Gospel
Mark: 2: 18-22
The first sin of man was disobedience to God (at the Garden of Eden). And God never took it lightly. That was the reason he punished Adam and Eve. God loves his instructions to be followed diligently no matter what is involved. Throughout the scripture, most people who found favor in the sight of God were those who followed his instructions totally. The secondly intentions of Saul in the first reading of today to gather the animals, valuables and other things to offer sacrifices to God for granting them victory over the Amalakites was never a bad one, but God instructions was “Destroy everything”. We, as people of God, should learn how to follow instructions first. In our daily lives many of us do this mistake even, we try to bring in initiatives and ingenuity where we have been given clear instructions on what to do by our superiors or authorities or even those who has sent us on an errand. If we are not given an opportunity to do it our own way or include our own ideas, let us try to follow instructions diligently. Unless it depreciates our moral standards, then we can actually make a U turn in those types of instructions. If not, let us try to obey directives.
Leadership demands a lot; obedience, humbleness, not being egoistic, and all others. If you are lacking in one, it may cost you a whole lot. Saul lost his authority and relationship with God because he did not follow the directives or instructions of God. He felt he could act on his own and make some decisions, and that cost him a whole lot. We all should learn from that.
The Gospel of today teaches us that there is a time for everything. The Pharisees were trying to put Jesus in a tight corner by asking him why his disciples were not fasting as John’s disciples were, but he explained to them that there is time for everything. When the Bridegroom was no longer there, the disciples did more than fasting. They Evangelised places, they left their comfort homes, they gave their lives even. This was what Christ was preparing them for when he was with them, and when he left, they kept the fire going, and that is what we are holding forth till today. The teachings of the wines skins and clothes follow through in this particular sequence. Let us know where to place what and when to do whatever it will help to maintain the mood and progress of whatever we do in life.
PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL
