Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Agatha, V.M., (05th February, 2020) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
(Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary
Time (II))
2Sam 24:2.9-17;
Ps 31:1-2.5-7 (R. cf. v.5);
Mk 6:1-6.
Saint Agatha (231 AD – c. 251 AD) was born at Catania
or Palermo, Sicily. She dedicated her life to God at a tender age and resisted
men who either wanted to marry her or to have sex with her. Quintian thinking
he could bend her had her arrested and brought before the judge. She suffered assault
and humiliation for one month in a brothel and later to prison. Agatha was tortured
in various ways and refused medical care. She died in the hands of torturers[1].
Saint Agatha is the patron saint of Catania, Molise,
Malta, San Marino and Zamarramala. She is also the patron saint of breast
cancer patients, martyrs, wet nurses, bell-founders, bakers, fire, earthquakes,
and eruptions of Mount Etna[2].
Topic: Do not be deterred.
In today’s gospel, Jesus came to His hometown with His
disciples and taught in their synagogue on the sabbath. His teaching left
strong impression on many who heard Him. Yet they took offence at Him because
they knew His background too well, cf. Mk
6:2-3. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief and did not do much deeds of
power there.
You may have suffered rejection or other forms of
ill-treatment just because of your background or any other reason, look unto
God just as Saint Agatha did. Human’s rejection cannot strip you of the things
God has blessed you with, cf. 2Cor 3:5.
Go ahead and thank God who has blessed you with so much, cf. Job 7:17. God will continue to be
gracious to you and to bless you and to make His face shine upon you, cf. Ps 67:1. God’s judgement is final, cf. Job
12:14.
Finally, remember that whoever rejects his brother or sister
denies him/herself lots of good things God has commissioned him/her to convey.
Be wise and open your arms to your brothers and sisters.
Bible Reading: Ps 67:1-7.
Thought for today: Do not be deterred.
Let us pray: May God help us discover more and
more of His blessings in our lives even as people reject us – Amen.
Saint Agatha – Pray for us.
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