DAILY HOMILIES #social media

Today’s first reading highlights God’s active control over history. It shows that God can use even a non-believer like King Cyrus to accomplish His divine plans. If we Christians fail to let our light shine, God will raise “stones” – non-believers – to accomplish God’s plans. (cf. Luke 19:40). Isn’t it a shame that traditional worshippers are now making a mockery of how Christians dress to church? As God stirred the heart of Cyrus to let the Israelites return to rebuild their nation, God is calling you today to champion the movement for the restoration of the Christian identity in a world where Christians (and even the “men of God”) have quenched their lights. You are not too small to lead the change. A forest only needs a spark to burn. Be that spark today.

Jesus told the Scribe last Sunday that he was not far from God’s kingdom because he spoke on the importance of love. However, if this Scribe joins in oppressing widows (as other scribes), he would receive great condemnation. Jesus wants us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, but this does not stop us from cheerfully contributing to the building and maintenance of God’s house and the upkeep of persons who have sacrificed themselves for the mission.

Children who grow up without any idea of God end up becoming spiritually deficient. Let your children come to God. Take them to Sunday School. Let them participate in the catechism class. For many of us, those things we learnt in catechism as children sustain our Christian faith to this day. Those who say: “I don’t want to indoctrinate my child. I want the child to grow up and decide for himself whether or not to believe in God or follow religion”, always end up having social media carry out negative indoctrination for them.

Elizabeth did not ask Mary to come over. Upon hearing about Elizabeth's situation, Mary immediately ran to her aid. This quick and selfless response is a testament to Mary’s understanding and empathy. She didn't hesitate to help, just as she did for the couple at the Wedding Feast at Cana.

Success is sweet but comes with challenges. Before Goliath, Saul regarded David as some harmless musician. Saul loved David. However, the moment Saul heard the women singing, Saul hated David. We all have people like Saul in our lives; you become a threat to them the moment you start shining.

A parent once asked a priest: “At what age do I start teaching my child how to pray?” In return, the priest asked, “How old is your child now.” She replied: “He will be four years in two months.” “Then you are four years late already,” said the priest. We do our children a great disservice when we do not allow them to attend catechism classes, but we want them to receive the sacraments.

Indeed, life is not balanced. No one has it all rosy. Virtually everyone alive today is going through something. However, we can learn from Mary’s visit to look beyond our challenges and difficulties. Let us know to place ourselves in the shoes of others. If you hear something good about others, go and visit them. If you hear something terrible, still visit them; talk to them before you start spreading the news (damaging their names).