(In Memory of Fr. Christopher Odia)
Follow Jesus
Amos 2:6-10, 13-16; Psalm 50; Matthew 8:18-22
In the Gospel Jesus invites us to follow him. This invitation is a call to discipleship. As disciples of Jesus Christ let us learn to follow him irrespective of comfort. Fr. Christopher Odia who was killed yesterday by his abductors followed Jesus and accepted martyrdom for his sake. He was set for the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass but eventually and practically offered himself in a bloody manner. His blood was not offered in vain. Tertullian says “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
Friends, to follow Jesus is to be open to discomforts, dissatisfactions and insufficiencies. To follow Jesus is to keep his commandments. To follow Jesus is to remain steadfast amidst violence; to follow Jesus is to resist evil government. If we follow Jesus, we may lost everything in this world but we shall be saved. If we follow Jesus, surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life and we shall dwell in God’s house forever.
In fact, in the first reading, God pronounced judgment on the people of Israel for their wrong doings through the mouth of the Prophet Amos. He says; “I will not revoke the punishment because they sell the righteous for silver” (Amos2:6). Many innocent and righteous people are been sold into the hands of bandits and terrorists. If God’s word remains true then his judgement shall come these infidels and heretics.
Again, we must learn not to profane God’s holy name because of the trials we are going through. The people of Israel in Amos 2:7 disobeyed the Lord and profane his holy name because they thought God has abandoned them.
Beloved, God has not abandoned us, do not be discouraged, the Bible says “cast not away your confidence for their shall be a recompense of reward” (Heb10:35). Hold on to God, your confidence shall be rewarded.
_Sing with me if you know this hymn_
1. Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
*Refrain:*
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
2. See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on,
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!
3. See the glorious banner waving, Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.
4. Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near,
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!
LET US PRAY
O God, who called Fr. CHRISTOPHER ODIA to confirm true doctrine and the peace of the Church, grant, we pray, through his death, we may be renewed in faith and charity, we may always be intent on fostering unity and concord. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
