DAILY HOMILIES

Too often, we turn down God’s invitation because we feel overwhelmed like one trying to empty an ocean with a cup. Mankind’s problems are too many but then, for failing to do the little we can, we contribute further to the shortage of labourers in this ever rich harvest.

How strong is my faith in God? Would I go to God to pray after hearing someone close to me has died already? Do I believe there is such a thing as a ‘hopeless’ case? Can I say like the woman that “If only I touch the fringe of Jesus garment” or “If only I touch Holy Communion, I shall be made well”?

Dear friends, are you currently faced with a lot of trials? Is your heart burdened? Are you experiencing pain or loss at this moment? Today’s message is for you.

There is a time for everything be it good or bad, happy or sad, empty or full. Life happens in seasons. Regardless of which season you are now, know that nothing lasts forever.

St. Thomas may be remembered for doubting but he remains a part of the foundation of our Christian Faith. In fact, from his lips come the profession of faith: “My Lord and My God.” This remained his firm conviction for the rest of his life.

Today, we read another healing episode of Jesus occasioned by some really good friends who went all the way to bring a paralyzed man to Him. Matthew tells us that Jesus was moved by their faith. These friends believed completely in Jesus so much so that their faith was visible to Jesus

Worshipping God is not just a matter of avoiding sin, it is more importantly about doing good deeds. Seek the good, love what is good, establish justice in your gates and let righteousness flow from your actions.

Just as the disciples were shocked to find Jesus sleeping while they were facing a great storm, many of us today just cannot understand where God is in the midst of this pandemic that is threatening almost all life on earth.

The life of Saints Peter and Paul teach us that the Christian life is tough, full of challenges and hardships, yet, it contains a lot of great rewards if we do not give up.

Our Gospel passage today is somehow a continuation of that of last Sunday. Jesus is still instructing the twelve apostles as He sends them out to preach the Gospel. Indeed, Jesus is repeating the same message but this time with very compelling graphic illustrations. What is this message?

The irony of life is that while we look down on what is ours, others value it more. While many were struggling to believe in Jesus, a Centurion; that is, a Roman Soldier in charge of a hundred soldiers had enough faith to see that Jesus is God; that He only needs to speak the word and the whole world would obey.

While today’s first reading contains a very sad tale of King’s Nebuchadnezzar’s capture of Jerusalem, our Gospel passage presents us with a comforting story of the mercy and love of God in the healing of the leper. This seeming contradiction is beautifully summed up by the leper’s plea: “If you will (if you want to), you can make me clean.”