Jesus Relatives

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called
Jesus For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister
and mother." (Luke 2:21, Mark 3:35)
Happy New Year! In this homily, I take opportunity to give thanks, and
to share three guiding points for this year: Family, Vision and
Intercession. Today is a great opportunity indeed to give thanks: God
has enabled us to achieve much in our families and in our congregation.
I see a more beautiful altar and furnishings, a Chapel Van, development
plans, and we have had far reaching missions and ministry and
enriching fellowship; the growth in this Church has been a blessing to
the University, community, the Diocese, and people of God all over the
country wherever our missioners were sent; we give thanks to God. He
has given us peace and prepared us for a brighter and more progressive
year 2017, and we should be very grateful.
This 2017 was declared a Year for the Family by the Church and the
State. Our guiding theme will be Family: Out of Reverence for
Christ. To start off this theme, think about Jesus family: He was
circumcised on the eighth day and all cultural requirements were
fulfilled; he was a member proper of the home of Joseph and Mary his
parents, as well as a member of the bigger family of the Jews; he had
brothers and sisters, and cousins and nephews; but he stunned his
listeners one day, when he redefined his relatives. In fact some thought
he run crazy and insane due to his commitment to and method of work,
especially when he ignored his relatives that came to bring him food
and take him for some rest. He figuratively revealed his new family:
whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.
Are you part of Jesus family? This is a good question to ponder
throughout this year even as we seek to better our own families.
It is my prayer that each of us will have a clear vision from God in this
year. We celebrated Christmas with a deep reflection on the mystery of
the star, and I remained asking, what do you see? Balaam saw the
star and scepter rising from Jacob and Israel, though vaguely; and this
was fulfilled in Jesus Christ the Messiah. The wise men saw the star of
wonder and light that led them to Bethlehem, a life-changing and
lifesaving experience; Stephen the first martyr beheld Jesus standing at
the right hand of God, and this gave him strength to face his most
trying moment with hope and vigour. There are many signs in the sky
and sorcerers and evil people deceive many with astrological visions
and insights; I pray for you to be shown some meaningful life-changing
and lifesaving vision that will guide you into a productive future.
Finally, the promise of the Messiahs intercession is my encouragement
to us all: that He as our brother is praying for you, and that He is
calling upon you to pray for one another, until he establishes Jerusalem
and makes it a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6-7).
God bless you all and Happy New Year!
Rev. Eng. Emmanuel Mwesigwa CHAPLAIN

Readings:
Isaiah 62:6-7
Eph 5:21-27
Luke 2:21-24