DAILY HOMILIES #Persecution

What Happened At Antioch? Firstly, “The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number that believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). This teaches us that the success of evangelisation depends on God. The believers who took the Gospel to Antioch were not exceptional (their names are not even mentioned). When news of the massive number of converts reached the Church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to verify the report and encourage the believers.

Today’s First Reading teaches us that God can bring good out of even the most painful circumstances. Saul’s persecution pushed the church out of its comfort zone, leading to the discovery of many believers’ talents and gifts. Like food that has to be cooked before its nutritional value comes out, hardship cooks us. It transforms us, making us stronger, more resilient. One shining example is Philip, who was forced to go to Samaria. Philip converted multitudes, and God used him to work great signs and wonders.

When the apostles were arrested, God was silent. God allowed the jailers to secure the prison doors because He wanted to prove that no chain, padlock, piece of metal, wood, bronze or any created object could stop the Gospel. Even those who never heard the Gospel heard that the apostles were imprisoned but found in the temple preaching. In other words, throwing the apostles in prison further helped to spread the Gospel.

Jeremiah and Jesus were provoked in our readings today, and we have much to learn from their reaction. Jeremiah prayed a prayer of surrender. He asks God to fight on his behalf: “O Lord of hosts, who test the righteous, who see the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them for to you have I committed my cause.” (Jeremiah 20:12).

Are you a leader in any capacity? Do you have people looking up to you as their mentor? Reflect on Eleazer’s words, “Such pretence is not worthy of our time of life lest… I defile and disgrace my old age.” Do you know how upsetting it can be when you discover that your role model is not as holy as he has presented himself? Temptations to sin must surely come. Please do not become the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

If we understand the depth of God’s love for us, we exude a certain confidence; we are no longer afraid of what any human being can do to us because we know we have God on our side. When Jesus was told to run because Herod wanted to kill him, Jesus said: “Go and tell that fox, behold I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow and on the third day, I finish my course…”

Whether we like it or not, we will all experience rejection at some point in our lives, as long as we live in a world where freedom of choice exists. So rather than avoiding rejection at all costs and becoming people pleasers (which is worse), we need to prepare ourselves ahead of time for rejection and find ways to heal ourselves when it occurs.

The thought of death should not frighten us since it is our chance of returning home. However, if we are scared of it, it is either because we are not prepared or we are certain of eternal condemnation – that is, we are yet to start fighting the good fight (against sin, the flesh, injustice and ungodliness) and we are not running the race of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit is our Counsellor. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as a Counsellor. The word ‘Counsellor’ can refer to a lawyer who defends a client in trouble or a therapist who advises one experiencing psychological trauma (or other related difficulties). In other words, the Holy Spirit as Counsellor is a solid helper for us as we battle to survive in a world that is not ours.

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.

Since the Holy Eucharist makes us part of Christ, anyone fighting you for being a Christian is fighting Christ. The Holy Eucharist is the best protection any human can ever have. As Jesus protected the Christians in Damascus from Saul’s raid, Jesus would surely protect you from the plans of your enemies, whether known or unknown. As a communicant, no one can cut short your life or kill you before your time.

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).