DAILY HOMILIES

Having witnessed the Transfiguration, Peter could then write boldly as we read in today’s second reading: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty..."

Apart from this woman’s persistence, another lesson we learn from her is her gentle attitude towards life.

If we seek to be pure, the washing must first begin within our very heart.

While growing up, we were told: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” This is a saying that does not apply to children only. Even as adults, even as grown-ups, we should remember that each time we tell a lie, we are giving credits to Satan, the father of lies.

The love of God for us is beyond measure. As our opening prayer acknowledges, God’s kindness is unceasing; that is, it has no limit. Last Sunday, God appeared to Solomon in a dream saying to him: “Ask anything you want and I will do it for you.” God cares for us; He is willing to do anything for us.

Jeremiah and John the Baptist had something in common; they were not afraid of the establishment, they were not afraid of people, they spoke the truth and were willing to die in defence of the truth.

Dear friends, when we are hit by the truth, it is either we look inwards and fight our sinfulness (repent from sin) or we try fight the person who is telling us the truth.

Apart from being a gathering of “saints” the church is often a “field hospital” for the wounded. You are either a patient or a doctor in this hospital called the church.

Can I really say: “With Jesus alone, I am satisfied?” Am I willing to sacrifice all I have, all my friends and connections, all my possessions just for the sake of being part of God’s kingdom?

On the day of our baptism, God admitted us into his kingdom. However as time went on, Satan sowed very bad seeds in our hearts so instead of bearing fruits, we became weeds (useless plants) misusing God’s gifts freely bestowed on us and living below God’s expectations.

The distance between you and sainthood is just one little step in the right direction. A good act done today is like a tiny mustard seed that is sown upon the ground, or like a tea-spoon of leaven capable of mixing a large quantity of flour.

Power makes us famous and gives us control over others and things but it must surely pass away. We cannot remain in power forever. Prosperity makes us rich and wealthy but again wealth depreciates with time. Pleasure makes us forget our worries but as fast as it comes so does it disappears. None of these things bring us true satisfaction. The question now is: ‘What should we ask for?’