DAILY HOMILIES #Paul

No matter how good we are, we all need people like Barnabas who coach (encourage) us into the stars we are meant to be. While others were scared of Paul because they judged him as a bad person who had later become a Christian, Barnabas saw in Paul a good man with a bad past. Let us learn from Barnabas to be less judgmental of people while encouraging them to let their light shine. Even the worst sinners have some degree of light in them. Barnabas mentored Paul and later became his partner when the Holy Spirit set them apart on a mission to evangelise the world.

For all those times, Peter would have to suffer; the only thing that would keep him going is the memory of his triple “yes” to Jesus’ question. Love is patient and kind; love takes no record of records; love never ends; love never gives up.

When Paul stood before the tribunal, he immediately noticed a severe division between the camps of those who brought him to trial. Applying the wisdom of a serpent and the innocence of a dove, Paul decided to take advantage of the division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Paul introduced himself as a Pharisee who was on trial because of the issue of the resurrection of the dead. The moment he said this, there was an uproar in the assembly.

Watch out for envy in your heart. Ask yourself: “Are there certain people I don’t like just because they are good at what they do?” Celebrate the gifts of others. Avoid developing hatred for someone simply because they do not attend the same church or hold the same doctrines as you. They may interpret the Bible differently, but this does not necessarily mean your interpretation is superior.

It is easy to think we are alone when bad things happen to us; we find it difficult to pray, let alone sing praises to God. Paul and Silas teach us a vital lesson today – praise God even in bad times. How do we glorify God when it seems He failed to protect us from evil? Remember you are never alone, even when bad things happen. The Holy Spirit is always with you; praise God regardless of your situation.

In a world of growing injustices, violence unleashed on innocent citizens, leaders refusing to rise to their responsibilities, and in a world where Christians are victims of unprovoked attacks, one is tempted to wonder if Jesus was right when he preached love in place of hate. If hating others (revenge) could make us joyful, Jesus would have recommended it. The fullness of joy we desire will not come from hating (destroying) others but from loving our neighbours and enemies as ourselves.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8). As a Christian, remember that you are a missionary. In other words, aim for productivity and fruitfulness. Beyond doing your job excellently, strive to win souls for God.

St. Paul did not turn his back on God after he was stoned and left for dead. Today, Christians move from church to church because of minor challenges. Some even drop their faith completely due to unanswered prayers. This is not how Christians should behave. Many Christians are so deeply in love with this world that they cannot withstand even the slightest discomfort for God’s sake. No wonder St. John said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world..."

Never judge your worth by the negative behaviour of others. Did Jesus remain in Nazareth after He was rejected? He didn’t need to force anyone to believe; he left them and went elsewhere. The same Barnabas and Paul who ran like thieves from Iconium became gods at Lystra. Barnabas became Zeus, and Paul; they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. For healing a cripple who had never walked from birth, they could not stop the people from offering sacrifices to them. Go where you are appreciated.

Do you believe you can do greater things than what Jesus did on earth? Do you trust God will do whatever you ask in Jesus’ Name? Praying without faith is like running on the spot; you exert much energy but no movement. Let us strengthen our belief in the power of prayer, for it is through faith that we truly connect with God.

Indeed, God can use anybody. However, like a pencil that must be sharpened to write well, we must learn to humble ourselves to become proper instruments in God’s vineyard. Let not your pride become a stumbling block for those who seek to draw close to God.

Learn to embrace change and avoid shortcuts; if your path requires you to walk through hell, walk as though you own the place. Remember, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”(Psalm 30:5). Jesus says: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes.” (Matthew 10:23).