HOMILY OF SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY, 2021
FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR
ST PAUL MIKI AND COMPANION Mn. (MEMORIAL)
R1:- Hebrew 13:15-17.20-21
PS:- 23:1-3a.3b-4.5.6
Accl:- John 10:27
Gospel:- Mark 6:30-34
THEME: WORK BEFORE REST
Our God cannot be tired. Hence, he needs no rest. For he is the giver of strength and rest.
However, the disciples, having returned from their missionary journey, the Lord advised them to come to a lonely place and rest. Upon reaching there, the sight of the crowd invoked compassion in him, and he had no option than to begin to minister to their needs.
While we must not neglect our need for rest, we must not forget that we are meant for others and that we are on a mission to save souls. It is those who work that need rest. Work comes before rest.
Paul Miki and companions were Japanese missionary Martyrs who were crucified in Nagasaki for witnessing to Christ. They took the work of evangelization as paramount and they died for it. While he was hanging on the cross, Paul Miki was still preaching the good news.
In all situations, we should always strive to make Jesus known.
May the Lord who gives strength and rest, give us all it takes to all make him known every day of our lives. Amen.
