1st Sunday of Lent, Year B: Homily by Fr Justin Adiele
THEME: “TURN IT AROUND FOR GOOD OR FOR BETTER”
INTRODUCTION
The Lenten season is here again, calling us to reflect on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fleeting moments we have here on earth and what we do with it. It is a time we change our focus and drive from the mundane to our spiritual destiny which will come at a time we do not know. On Jan. 19th, 2024, three weeks before the demise of Herbert Wigwe, CEO Access Holdings, he tweeted: “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift — a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect. Let’s honor this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.” And on Ash Wednesday we were all remind that we shall return to dust and back to our maker for our reward. The season of Lent reminds us to number and tailor our life after the gospel of Christ; living not just for our own good, but for the good of others. You must turn your life around for good or for better, while you still have the chance.
THE FIRST READING (GEN. 9: 8–15)
The first reading talked about the establishment of God’s covenant with Noah and his descendants to replace the old which has been soiled by human wickedness and washed away by the flood. In this new covenant, God made a turn around to better and strengthen his patience, promise and resolve to work with men, and swore never to destroy all flesh with water again. He made a sing in heaven (rainbow) to remind him of his covenant of love with men. If God could turn around to re-enact a better covenant with men, how much more should men! The period of Lent is man’s own sign that reminds us to better and strengthen our promises, covenant and communion with God; also pledging never again to totally destroy our relationship with God with our wickedness and total negligence of our spiritual and moral obligations.
THE SECOND READING (1 PET. 3: 18–22)
In the second reading, St. Peter beautifully explained what happened after the forty days flood destroyed all life and saved only eighth persons. With a renewed covenant, love and patience, God turned the horrors of the flood around into the waters of Baptism, which now saves all flesh by a special appeal to God, tied to the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This period of Lent, we can still make a turn around like God; turning that which we have used for destruction before to something which could be used now to save the life of many. What have you used for destruction or wickedness before? Is it your time, mouth, talent, strength, wealth or position; this Lent and beyond, you can use them for good and to save lives.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 1: 12–15)
In the gospel reading, the forty days of Jesus’ fasting which is similar to our forty days period of Lent, was full of temptations. He was tempted with food, power and wealth; and all these three could be used to make or mar our lives and that of others. However, Jesus has taught us that in the midst or search for food, power and wealth, we can still do the right thing; never to offend God to please the Devil. In the midst or lack of all these three, we can still repent, believe and live by the gospel.
CONCLUSION
The Lenten trumpet has been sounded, the Ashes has appeared to us like the Rainbow to God. It is the time to renew, strengthen and better our covenant, faith, love and relationship with God. It is the time to save lives for God especially the erring and the needy. It is the time we remind ourselves once again never to destroy our lives or that of others with sin or with anything (material goods, power or privileges) God has placed at our disposal. It is the time we turn everything (including our lives) around for good or for better.
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin