{"id":21,"date":"2019-02-05T10:14:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T10:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/homilies.com.ng\/frcollins\/?p=21"},"modified":"2024-08-02T10:20:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T10:20:10","slug":"wednesday-of-1st-week-in-advent-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homilies.com.ng\/frcollins\/2019\/02\/05\/wednesday-of-1st-week-in-advent-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"WEDNESDAY OF 1ST WEEK IN ADVENT, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

REFLECTION BY FR COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES: 1ST READING. ISAIAH 25:6-10. PSALM 23. GOSPEL. MT 15:29-37<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THEME: THE BANQUET OF JESUS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah prophesied how on this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, and the shroud enwrapping all nations, he will destroy Death for ever (Isaiah 25:6-8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This prophecy is fulfilled in the Gospel reading today. The mountain spoken about is the Church, the rich banquet is both the material, physical and spiritual food the Lord has prepared for us. In the Gospel, Jesus healed the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others (Mt 15:30). The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking and the blind see and they glorify the God of Israel (Mt 15:31).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this reflection, we shall highlight the banquet of Jesus. This banquet which takes place in the Church today is carried out through the ministry of Christ. We shall bring out what constitutes the banquet of the Lord, and how to key into the banquet of the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE BANQUET OF THE LORD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the preaching ministry of Jesus is one of the banquets of the Lord. The scripture tells us that the word of the Lord is Spirit and life (Jn 6:63). The word of God leads to repentance and conversion. The scripture tells us that the people hung on the word of the Lord (Lk 19:48). The preaching ministry is a rich banquet for the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, the miracles of the Lord is also a rich banquet of the Lord. Jesus restored many people to wholeness of life. Some were paralyzed, some were lame, some were blind, some could not walk (Mt 15:30). The healing ministry of Jesus is still being carrying out through the Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, the Lord fed them with food. He multiplication of the loaves (Mt 15:32-37).  This miracle is being carried out today in the Church through the Eucharistic celebration. At the Eucharist, the Lord feeds us with his own body and blood. This is the greatest mountain on earth, where Jesus feeds his flock on daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, through the ministry of the Church, the Lord feeds his flock. Through the Sacraments, such as Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, confession,  Eucharist, Holy Order, marriage, anointing etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We received the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation. The Holy Spirit is given by the Lord for our sustenance. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot bear fruits. It is truly a rich banquet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BANQUET OF JESUS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, we must repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ into our lives. The Master told us to proclaim the kingdom, whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mt 16:15-16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, through a life of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Master told us if we are going to temple and remember someone has a case against us, we should leave our offering and go to reconcile with the person before presenting our offering (Mt 5:23).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, through the Sacrament of Baptism we participate in the mystery of Christ. Baptism is the gateway to the other Sacraments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, we participate in the banquet of the Lord through a life of love and virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, we  participate in the banquet of the Lord through a life of grace. During Mass it is often announced, it is time for holy communion and Holy communion is for Catholics who are in state of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALWAYS REMEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n