DAILY HOMILIES

In the midst of all these, we are given an opportunity today to reflect and ponder on the Sacred Heart of Jesus; the heart that is so full of love, so full of mercy, so quick to forgive, so selfless, so heavenly minded, so trustworthy and caring. A heart from which blood and water flowed when it was pierced by the soldiers on the cross; blood symbolizing sacrifice and water symbolizing washing, renewal, baptism, rebirth.

In truth, forgiving and reconciling with others is a painful thing to do; more painful if the person refuses to admit his/her fault or if the person is unwilling to cooperate in your move at reconciliation. Nevertheless, consider this pain as something rendered to God for as John says, we cannot claim to love God whom we have not seen if our hearts are full of hatred for our fellow brothers and sisters who we see daily

The world is not lacking in preachers but in “do-ers” of the word.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.

Think about what Jesus is demanding from you and those times you actually followed this path only to find happiness rather unexpectedly. In summary, suffering makes us strong. This is what St. Paul teaches in the first reading today. His prayer for us is that should we ever suffer, may we also enjoy consolation at the end.

With constant Holy Communion, you just cannot miss heaven. This is why Jesus gave it to us in the first place. Jesus knows that we are humans, flesh and blood, weak creatures. He knows that left to our own strength and willpower, we cannot resist sin. He knows we would need supernatural strength all the time so Jesus decided to give us Himself in Holy Communion. Without communion, you have no life in you.

When Tobit was thinking of appreciating the man that accompanied his son Tobias on this wonderful journey, he had no idea that Raphael was an Angel sent from God. The truth is that if we really want to pay God for favours received, no amount of money equals what we get from God.

Above all the message of the book of Tobit is that God answers prayers. God cares for His children. God is not pleased with our tears, deprivation, injustice, and suffering. God is ready to go to any extent to save us. Whatever it is you are experiencing now, don’t give up on God. Continue to pray and one day, your miracle will happen.

If we must pray when our eyes are red with tears, then let us never forget to pray when our eyes are red with alcohol, laughter and merriment because not all that glitters is gold.

See how our first reading today ends: “At that very moment, the prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God. So Raphael was sent to heal both of them: Tobit, by removing the white films from his eyes, so that he might see God's light with his eyes; and Sarah, daughter of Raguel, by giving her in marriage to Tobias son of Tobit, and by setting her free from the wicked demon Asmodeus.” (Tobit 3:16-17)

Never look down on your spouse. Be mindful of the words you use on them. a person could be insulted by a stranger and laugh it off but when that insult comes from one’s spouse, the pain is unbearable. Even if you don’t believe in what your spouse is doing, avoid making a mockery of their life’s work. In an argument or discussion, be respectful of the opinions of your spouse even if you don’t agree. At least, listen to them first. Everyone longs to be heard; it gives a feeling of importance and we all need it.

And the secret of life is this: when you help someone carry his cross, yours become lighter. If you think life is hard, look around you and you will see those dreaming to be given twice of your problems in exchange for theirs. Be like Mary, reach out, visit, help, don’t be self-centred.