By Obijiaku Obinna K.
Last Sunday’s homily was so pleasant, engaging and somewhat magical because almost all throughout the 45 minutes the talk lasted, I couldn’t but deny the warmth I felt all over my body.
Though the windows were wild open with the rain pouring outside, the ceiling fans were also not helping matters as they were all on full throttle blowing this cold wind, but you could feel the fire burning all the misconceptions you’ve had about life before now.
I am lost for words to describe how I felt after Rev. Fr. Bertrand dropped the microphone and returned to his seat after such a beautiful homily.
The congregation was so touched that I’m certain they didn’t know when they gave him a round of applause as he walked across the altar to continue with the mass.
Fr. Bertrand explained using the simplest of modes and in detail, this special verse in the bible;
‘The Lord’s Prayer’
“Pray then like this:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”
[Matt 6: 9 – 13]
Been the harvest season, the congregation sure needed that sort of homily to inspire them to trust God more and be active in this year’s Harvest of Great Mercy regardless of the harsh economic clime in the country right now.
Little wonder why five (5) different families registered to have their family harvest thanksgiving the following Sunday, 31st of July immediately after hearing such faith empowering words.
P.U.S.H simply means ‘Pray Until Something Happens.’
Fr. Bertrand reminded us how Abraham continuously interceded on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah in Gen 18: 16 – 33 to avert the calamity that was about to befall them because of their disobedience to God, how Jesus Christ prayed earnestly while still on earth; countless times was it recorded in the bible how he prayed and fasted in joy and in pain.
If the son of God could pray so earnestly to his father in heaven for his needs, how much more we sinners, still here on earth, need to ask God for our daily needs using the inspiration found in the acronym, P.U.S.H.
As Shakespeare said;
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
We are the creators of the world we live in and we are been urged to take advantage of this year’s harvest season, to come clean before God and experience total grace and abundance.
Selah!