Homily of Wednesday in the 34th Week of Ordinary Time Year C.
Ref: Dan 5:1-6; Lk 21: 12-19
By: Rev Fr Felix Olátúnjí Yayi, C.S.Sp.
Dear friends in Christ,
As we continue reading from the book of Daniel, we’re confronted with the abomination committed by King Belshazzar and his lords, who drank from the vessels of gold and silver meant for worship in the Jerusalem temple. This is a stark reminder that where God does not dwell, darkness fills the void.
St. Macarius reminds us, “Woe to the path that is not walked on, along which the voices of men are not heard, for it becomes the haunt of wild animals. Woe to the soul if the Lord does not walk within it to vanquish with his voice the spiritual beast of sin… Woe to the soul that does not have Christ to cultivate it with care to produce the good fruit of the Holy Spirit.”
Let us cry out against the souls that derive joy in killing fellow human beings without just cause, that alter the worship of God, and desecrate the altar of worship.
But to the souls where Christ dwells, He says: “Hold firm in faith and trust. I will give you a mouth and wisdom which no adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” Do not sway or lose faith when faced with those where Christ does not dwell, for God Himself will deliver you.
Let us pray especially for Nigeria, where many souls are yet to know Christ. May they realize the handwriting on the wall and repent. To those being persecuted, may you be strengthened in faith and may God bring peace to our world.
Do not make yourself an object for the devil. Let Christ dwell in your soul, and the devil will have no foothold. May God bless us as we open our hearts for Him to dwell.
Amen. Shalom.
