DAILY HOMILIES

There is an extent to which our worship of God becomes reduced to the mere observation of rules. This occurs when we adhere to regulations to the detriment of our connection with God. This is what happens when religious rules become nothing more than an avenue to oppress the poor and weak in society. This was the problem of the Pharisees.

Like Moses, there are times when we become too conscious of the greatness and complexity of our problems that we completely lose sight of God's greatness. Despite seeing that the bush was burning yet not consumed, Moses still feared the wrath of Pharaoh. When we pray to God, it is unfortunate that instead of reflecting on God, we often reflect on our problems. Instead of contemplating God, we consider our enemies.

Moses asked God a question you may have asked yourself several times: “Who am I?” Who am I to solve insecurity in my country? Who am I to write a book? Who am I to start a company? Who am I to become a president, boss, or leader? And so forth. Do you notice how God answered Moses’ question? “I will be with you…” This is the Good News for you today. It’s not about who you are, but who God is. When next you catch yourself asking ‘Who am I?’ know that you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking, “Is God on my side?”

Miracles are of great value, but to repent from sin is the ultimate miracle. Every miracle is a sign pointing to God. Please do not get stuck on the sign and forget its meaning. Miracles must lead to repentance; otherwise, they become reduced to mere entertainment. God is disappointed with us when we return to our sinful ways after experiencing His miraculous intervention. Jesus expressed utter disappointment with the towns where most of His miracles had happened because, contrary to His expectations, the people remained stiff-necked in their sinful ways.

"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it." This world is not our home. This is why we cannot find lasting peace on Earth. Again, this explains why the world hates us. If we belonged here, the world would love us. We are only sojourners in a strange world. Our homeland is heaven – that is the land flowing with milk and honey. To get there, we cannot afford to love this world; instead, we must deny ourselves, take our crosses and follow Jesus’ footsteps.

Jesus did not just tell this story for the sake of entertainment; he passed on a powerful message by ending with the phrase: “Go and do likewise.” This final statement of Jesus was His answer to the question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is not enough that we hear God’s word. If we fail to do likewise, our hearing is in vain. Most of us like to think of ourselves as perfect candidates for heaven, but I ask you today: When was the last time you showed kindness to a stranger?

While sending his disciples to preach, Jesus told them they were like sheep amid wolves. This meant that they were going to face all kinds of persecution. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells them not to be afraid: “Have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26). We are not to be scared because whatever secrets plan our enemies have against us will indeed be exposed.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus presents the challenges involved in evangelisation. Preaching light to a world that prefers darkness (a world that rejected Jesus) can be likened to sheep moving amid wolves. There has never been a time when the world loved Christians. Jesus noted: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world. Therefore, the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

Joseph could see that God was using these experiences for his good, writing straight on very crooked lines, that even though his brothers never meant well for him, God sent him ahead of them to preserve life. Who knows? If Joseph were not the Prime Minister of Egypt during that great famine, the Israelite Nation would have ended. Joseph understood this, and without waiting for his brothers to apologise, he forgave them.

Joseph was just a child when he suffered betrayal from his brothers. The worst acts of man’s inhumanity to man today are evils meted out against children. Think of the millions of children whose lives are destroyed through abortion, child abuse, sexual assault, neglect, forced labour, and even prostitution. Be good to children. Help these little ones; help them achieve their dreams.

Dear friend, do you constantly complain about others? Or are you a Jacob who knows how best to take advantage of whatever situation may arise? When was the last time you asked for a blessing from your parents or an older person? Jacob did not complain about the time spent wrestling. He looked at the positive side. Jesus also did not say anything to those who criticised Him; instead, He focused on His Call; He attended to the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd.

The ruler knew his daughter was dead, but firmly believed that Jesus had a solution for death. He invited Jesus to heal his daughter’s condition, much as one would ask an electrician to replace a faulty switch. Faith does not begin with the occurrence of a miracle. Faith makes it happen. Believe that no matter what you face, it is not beyond what God can handle.