Archbishop Sigfried Jwara’s homily at Ordination of Bishop Elias Zondi, Auxiliary Bishop Of Durban

27 May 2023 at Curries Fountain Sports Ground

First Reading (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our first reading is from Isaiah Chapter 61:1-3. I guess we are all familiar with this Scripture text. Let us remember that it was 700 years in advance that the Prophet Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah; the one who was expected to be the wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and Prince of peace.

Isaiah says: “The Spirit of God is upon me. The Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the lowly. To heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.

He has sent me to announce a year of favour from the Lord, a year of liberation, a year of which all debts would be settled.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn, to place on those who mourn and diadem instead of ashes. In other words, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

To give the oil of gladness in place of mourning, the oil of joy and cheerfulness.”

Is it not interesting that 700 years later, in Luke 4:18-21, Jesus went to the synagogue, opened the scroll, and read the same scripture passage Isaiah 61:1-3.

When he finished reading it, he sat down and said to them: “This text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening”.

It is said that all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. They were impressed by him, but they did not see him as the Messiah, they only saw the son of Joseph in front of them.

Therefore, Jesus told them that no prophet is ever accepted in his own country. This reminds me of Psalm 115:5-8 which says:

• They have mouths but do not speak.
• They have eyes but do not see.
• They have ears but do not hear.
• They have noses but do not smell.
• They have feet but do not walk.
• Even in our lifetime sometimes we may have eyes, but we do not see.
• Ears but we do not hear.

Today, at this very ordination God is revealing a few things to us, but we are unable to see those things.

Second Reading (Ephesians 4:11-16)

In the second reading, St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we hear that Christ gave gifts to the people. He made some to be Apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the good news, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people.

Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.

This passage of scripture teaches us that, with humility and gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we are called to remember that there is one body, one spirit, one Lord, one faith and one baptism.

I like it very much when St. Paul talks about the five ministry gifts which are: the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

Dear Fr Zondi, I call you Fr Zondi for the last time, today you will become one of the successors of the apostles. What a ministry! Many will envy you for it, but the truth of the matter is that it is not meant for everyone. It is not meant for self-glory but as a Catholic Bishop, you are called to be transparent, honest, humble, holy, collaborative, servant leader, and willing to make tough choices.

Gospel (Jn 17:11,17-23)

In the Gospel today, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers. The purpose for this unity is for the world to know that Jesus was indeed sent from God because he loves the world that much.

Unity is God’s gift, so we must pray for it because prayer shapes and forms what we believe and think and how we act. Only God in Christ can reconcile us but, praying for unity shows we desire to be used by God in his work in reconciliation.

My dear brother, Monsignor Elias Zondi, when Jesus prays for unity in his church, he also prays for you today in a very special manner. He prays for you because as a Bishop you must play a special role in uniting his people in the church.

The Lord is not praying for you alone Monsignor Zondi, but that all of us may be one. That religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family, and the whole earth as one home.

It is only when we are united that the world may believe that indeed we are the followers of Christ.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis in his encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti, encourages us to reach out to all people of goodwill.

To facilitate the process of ending conflict and divisions in the world and in the Church.

Dear Monsignor Zondi, I just pray that you will help me to make this diocese a peaceful diocese where human rights are being valued and respected. Remember that the bishop must always be the Centre of unity.

Therefore, we have a duty to bring the clergy, religious and the laity together without any prejudice.

– Whenever we celebrate the holy Mass, the priest prays:

Lord Jesus Christ you said to your apostles, peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.”

Therefore, if we want to make our Lord happy, let us work for peace, unity, and reconciliation.

Loving Father, forgive us for the divisions and brokenness among us. Pour your Holy Spirit upon us to renew our hearts and minds that we may be able to understand the depth of your love and come together to glorify you. Amen.