DAILY HOMILIES #Peter

Peter’s failure that night was God’s way of telling Peter that he is called to be a fisher of men (not of fish). It was also God’s way of teaching him about divine providence. Are you experiencing failure in some aspect of your life? It is time to ask: “Am I doing what God wants of me?” If God has given you an assignment, it will be hard to succeed in something else if you abandon God’s call.

Peter addressed them: “Men of Israel, why do you stare as though we had made him walk by our power or piety?” Never worship God’s ministers; even the devil can heal in the name of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, never assume you are too small (or too sinful) to invoke the name of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be ordained to be a healer.

By healing the lame man, Peter gave him something beyond silver and gold – healing from paralysis. This man would no longer need to be carried from place to place. He would provide for himself. Value spiritual wealth over financial riches. You may not have all the money you crave, but as long as you have God, you have everything.

When others asked, “Is it I who will betray you?” Judas joined in the chorus. He did not know Jesus was giving him a last chance to repent. I am still active in church at this third stage, but my worship is lip-service (all about appearances). Having negotiated with the devil, I start negotiating with my conscience. Sadly, many of us are in this stage. Today, we are in church singing and dancing, tomorrow, we are doing the things we preached against. Peter said: “I will lay down my life for you.” Did he mean it? Do I reflect on my vows to God?

Today is Palm Sunday, otherwise known as Passion Sunday. Unlike the usual liturgy where the priest alone reads the Gospel passage, we have not only listened but also taken part in reading the Passion narrative. We have been able to relive the experience of Jesus’ Last supper, His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, His trial by Pilate and Herod, His scourging at the pillar and the harsh treatment of the soldiers, His sentencing and carrying of the cross, His crucifixion on the Cross alongside two criminals and His death on the cross.

St. Patrick, the beloved patron saint of Ireland, was originally from Roman Britain. When he was fourteen, Irish pirates captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave. His strong faith provided comfort and hope during his six years in captivity. A divine dream inspired Patrick to escape, and he eventually returned to Britain and reunited with his family. Patrick became a priest and was later ordained as a bishop. He was driven to bring Christianity to Ireland, arriving in Slane on March 25, 433.

No one who has left anything behind for the sake of the Gospel will go unrewarded. In truth, serving God requires many sacrifices, but as long as our sufferings help advance God’s kingdom, we shall certainly not miss our reward.

Right there on the cross, Jesus was able to summon the courage to say: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). In praying like this, Jesus proved himself as the “Son of David” – a man who had the chance of killing his persecutor, Saul but refused. In praying for forgiveness for His enemies, Jesus gave us, His followers, an example. In words and deeds, Jesus, by His very life, taught us to love our enemies.

Is it possible for satan to speak through a man of God? Yes. The question is not whether it can happen but whether you will be able to sift between the voice of the person and the voice of the devil. This is why we all need to pray for the gift of discernment (the ability to distinguish between spirits).

The great catch of fish was a turning point in Peter’s life. He immediately recognised God's presence and confessed his sins. Isaiah had a similar experience in today’s First Reading. Meanwhile, in today’s second reading, St. Paul confesses how he previously persecuted the Church, yet God made him an apostle. Is it the case that God prefers working with individuals with a sinful past? What do we learn from these readings?

What have you left behind to follow Jesus? In other words, what is the cost of your discipleship? What do you have to let go to remain a Christian? If truly you have not left anything behind, it means your faith is a matter of convenience. The danger in this is that you could easily fall away in moments of trials. This explains why some Christians move from one “solution house” to another, not minding if they partake in idol worship. Christianity is not only about what we stand to gain from God; it is about carrying our crosses and following Jesus’ footsteps.

While other apostles fled during the Passion of Jesus, John was with Mary at the foot of the cross. John’s presence shows that he was a true friend of Jesus. He was there when Jesus was “nothing”—he was there when Jesus was stripped, disfigured, and hanged on the cross. Only when the chips are down do you get to know your friends. No wonder it was to John that Jesus gave his mother.