There are two homilies here for our reflection. May you be blessed as you read.
REVD. FR. PHILIPMARIO EKWELI
In our first reading, Prophet Isaiah prophesied about a shoot coming forth from the stump of Jesse and a branch growing out of his roots. This prophecy points at Jesus who was from the Davidic lineage. It is in Him the Spirit of God shall rest upon. The Spirit of wisdom which indicates an insight into the meaning of life and into the way the Lord has guided our personal life- development. The Spirit of understanding which indicates the ability to grasp with mind and heart the power of Jesus in our lives.
The Spirit of counsel that indicates the ability to discern God’s ways in our lives and to help others towards that same discernment, a sense of consciousness of who we are and who others are and of how God is present to us and we to him. The Spirit of courage might indicates the fearlessness that enables us to persevere despite all obstacles along a permanent path of commitment to Christ and his way of life. The Spirit of knowledge which indicates not just possessing facts but the experience of truth like that of Paul when he said, “I know him in whom I believe”, a knowledge of mind and heart, knowledge shot through with love. The Spirit of the fear of the Lord: it doesn’t mean terror or slavish fear, but a blessed, reverent sense of awe in the presence of divine Love in itself and, above all, divine love made flesh in Jesus our beloved Lord.
Furthermore, Prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Spirit – filled Messiah will institute an era of justice and peace for all: ” with righteousness he will judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth”(Isa11:4).
Beloved, Isaiah probably had in mind some ideal Davidic King when he wrote this prophecy. But the Church, reading this passage in the light of further revelation, understands that Isaiah’s prophecy was eminently fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
Can we, then, dream of world peace based on justice, believe in it, and work for it, by continuing the mission of Jesus Christ? Yes, provided we imbibe the simplicity of children.
REVD. FR. PHILIPMARIO EKWELI
In the gospel text, Jesus praised children, referring to his own disciples as the first recipients of the mysteries of God and thanked the Father “for revealing them to babes” (Luke10:21). Children possessed good characteristics of humble humour and sound relationship with humans, animals and even with inanimate objects.
In conclusion, they really want to embrace all life around them. It is as if the whole world is their friend. If we adults relate with one and another in the same manner that children do, we will experience a world of justice and peace based on equality. We must be humble enough to avail ourselves for the reception of the spirit of God or gifts of God.
May God bless His words in our hearts through Christ our Lord amen.
Rev. Fr. Dennis ADIGWE
Today, and always, we are all invited to share Jesus’ joy. Joy is an attitude which goes together with hope. It has to be difficult for a person who has no hope, to be happy. And, what is it that we Christians put our hope in? The coming of the Messiah and of his Kingdom, in which justice and peace will bloom; a new reality where the wolf will dwell with the lamb,the leopard will rest beside the kid, the calf and the lion cub will lead them(Is 11:6).Friends, this kingdom is unrealistic to the wise and the learned because it doesn’t appeal to reason. Advent is thus a period that allows us to dispose our hearts like infants towards the joy that comes with the incarnate Son.
