DAILY HOMILIES #God

What is the key to avoiding sin? How do we avoid worshipping the various gods in our world today? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a mustard seed that appears to be the smallest of all seeds but eventually grows into the largest of all shrubs. In other words, as the saying goes, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.” No one becomes a saint or a star overnight. A good character begins with good habits. You may start by observing one hour of sinlessness daily and gradually increase it.

Prayer is not one-way traffic. We ask God because we are His children, and by asking Him, we also declare that we live according to His instructions. Sin destroys our relationship with God. When we pray, we should have complete confidence in God. At the same time, our prayer must affect the kind of life we live. If we beg from God, we must not forget that others are begging from us; others who need our charity; others who need our forgiveness; and others who need us to intercede for them, just as Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Who amongst us would like to visit our community’s king in rags? Not to mention the Governor of our state or other high-ranking Government officials? If we strive to put our best foot forward in meeting human beings, what is wrong with going to confession and taking a bath before attending Mass? If we respect God, why do we make noise (engage in vulgar conversations), play with our phones or transact business inside the church?

Moses delivered God’s message: “Let My People Go.” Pharaoh, like many leaders in today’s world, refused. He would rather keep a whole nation enslaved and oppressed than allow them to go and form their own country. But this wasn’t going to last long. God showed that He is greater than Pharaoh. Our leaders must learn that leadership is a transient quality. If being in power is no longer for the benefit of those under you, let the people go, or you may find yourself contending with God.

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.

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.

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.

Today’s Solemnity also challenges us to be the best version of ourselves as we strive to follow Christ’s footsteps on earth. Peter and Paul have long since passed away, but their legacies continue to shine. If they had approached their calling with the same lackadaisical attitude displayed by many Christians today, we would not be celebrating them today. Our time on earth is relatively short, but our impact can last for eternity. Live in a manner that the world would feel obliged to celebrate you long after you have gone.

Do not be carried away with sayings such as: “A bird in hand is better than a thousand in the wind.” As long as God is ignored in that plan, the so-called “bird in hand” will become a bone in your throat later. Our people have a parable: “If one rushes to put food into their mouth, they could easily put the food in their nose.” Although it is true that “heaven helps those who help themselves”, if such “help” involves sin, we are no longer helping ourselves but setting ourselves up for regret.

This principle of seeking God's kingdom first guided St. Paul in His missionary journeys. While advancing God’s kingdom on earth, God provided for his needs. Even though he also worked with his hands (he was a tent maker), he was always content with what came to him. His passion was evangelisation. He wasn’t competing to be known as the wealthiest man in the world. In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes: “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Jesus warned against giving that is loud, that is, giving to attract attention, not from the heart, but to make a statement to others. Jesus teaches us that this kind of giving is not to God, but to people. Instead of receiving our reward from God, we often receive only the praise of others.

No one is an island. Even God is a community of three persons. Always consult with others before making any decisions. As a Christian community, we can only remain united when we regularly communicate with one another and discuss our plans. Staying away from zonal meetings or societal gatherings out of malice is detrimental to our progress as a people.