DAILY HOMILIES #qualities

Just as in the case of Lazarus, Jesus spoke, and the dead obeyed. What does this teach us? There is no problem that is too big for God to handle. If the dead can hear and obey the voice of God, why should I give up? What began as a sad story ended up with songs of praise to God. They glorified God’s saying. ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ and ‘God has visited his people!’ This very phrase was part of Zechariah’s song of thanksgiving when his power of speech was restored after the birth and naming of John the Baptist.

Do not be a “Yes” and “No” person. Stop trying to serve two masters. Don’t be a “saint” in public only to become a “demon” in private. Don’t be a preacher of justice and fairness only to deny your employees of their wages. Don’t condemn corrupt politicians only to accept your share of their loot joyfully. Don’t say “yes” to God’s blessings only to turn around and say “no” to his commandments.

A good leader inspires the best in people but a bad one destroys every atom of morality in them. This is why leaders; especially spiritual leaders will suffer a greater punishment than others if they are bad shepherds. A lot of young people in our society today aspire for leadership but the painful truth is that having been scandalized, they dream of taking up leadership positions not to serve the people, but to amass as much of the commonwealth as possible.