DAILY HOMILIES #kingdom of God

David was taking a walk on the roof of his palace when he caught sight of a woman bathing. Unlike the three corrupt judges who hid in a garden to watch Susanna taking her bath, David did not deliberately seek out this sight. Still, instead of taking his gaze away immediately, he allowed himself to be tempted all the more. Jesus warned us: “Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; you should lose one of your members rather than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-29)

Jesus’ arrival in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This recalls the star that guided the Magi to Jesus. To know Jesus is to be drawn to His light. If this light rests on you, you become part of it. Instead of darkness (hatred, bitterness, malice, animosity), you start to radiate love. In today’s first reading, St. John said: “This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another.” (1 John 3:23).

Being wealthy is not a sin, but when one’s wealth stems from rejecting God, such riches are worthless. If your income comes from disobeying God’s commandments, engaging in illegal activities, or even worse, taking lives, you have prioritised riches above God. It is better to be content with little than to find comfort in ill-got gains. It is preferable to face persecution than to risk losing your soul for money.

You will experience true bliss if God makes your heart His home. You will taste the sweetness of heaven even while still on earth, and you will have peace. Rather than spending your energy on fleeting pleasures, turn to God and deepen your love for God. Spend more time in prayer, ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart, and you will find peace. He who has God lacks nothing, but He who lacks God lacks everything.

Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” The question is: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his soul?”

Jesus was asked one question but gave two answers. He was asked, “Which is the first commandment?” but added the second. Why? Jesus knew that without adding the second, “Love your neighbour,” the first would be meaningless, yet the second is pointless without the first. As John puts it: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20). Loving God with all our heart, soul and might is not a matter of coming to Church it is rather a matter of loving our neighbour as ourselves.

And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48). Knowledge is responsibility. Our punishment will be tough if we continue sinning despite our knowledge of theology and access to many spiritual treasures.

Do not be scandalised by any bad Christian. Rather, be inspired by the good ones and strive to be good yourself. Do not allow another person’s sinfulness to become your standard of judging good and bad. Just as there are different kinds of fish in God’s kingdom, we also have elements of good and evil within us

Repentance brings healing. Repentance is saying “No” to the devil so as to allow God to come into your life and where God is, sickness, disease, stagnation, demonic possession etc. cannot remain.