DAILY HOMILIES #St. Paul

A blind man cannot lead a blind man. To be a good leader, one must be above his followers. You must have a vision, see the future you intend to create, and ensure your followers see it. You cannot be a good leader if you cannot see beyond your followers. Perhaps this explains our situation in this country.

It is easy to help those who help us, but Jesus wants us to go the extra mile to help those who can never (or will never) repay you. Cultivate the habit of putting smiles on the faces of everyone you encounter, no matter who that person is. When you give, Jesus says, “Never expect repayment, but your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35). Humans are naturally ungrateful, so don’t expect people to thank you. However, nothing escapes God’s watchful eyes; He will reward you in due time.

Sometimes, in our hot pursuit of justice, we forget the law of love. We forget that as much as God would be pleased with our strict obedience to his laws, there is no law greater than loving our neighbour as ourselves. Like these Pharisees, sometimes we become interested in certain persons not because we like them but to find something we can use against them. Have you become an accuser of the brethren who accuses others day and night before God? (Cf. Revelation 12:10). Rather than point fingers, learn to look inwards.

To those who were on Paul’s side, he said, “Who are you to declare me a saint?” and to those who were against Paul, he said, “Even though I am not aware of anything against myself (my conscience is clean), I am not thereby acquitted.” Paul’s overall intention here was to break division, to make the people refrain from taking sides, and to make them realise that both Paul and Apollos are imperfect yet powerful instruments in the hands of God.

The key to overcoming the temptation of jealousy and quarrelling is seeking the Holy Spirit through constant prayer. Did you notice that in today’s Gospel passage, immediately after the healing and casting-out-of-demons session, Jesus retreated to a quiet place to pray? This is an important lesson. Jesus did not “need” prayer, yet He never took prayer for granted. If you value prayer, you will always make time for it. Even if it means rising early or staying up all night, you will never let a day pass without spending time in communion with God.

Instead of allowing the truth to cure their pride, they turned against Jesus, intending to throw Him off the cliff. Their action did not nullify the bitter truth. Salvation is not hereditary, nor is it automatic. Indeed, the fact that I am a Catholic does not qualify me for heaven; it is the way I live that counts.

Always remember the end; always remember that even the air you breathe is borrowed and you will have to relinquish it someday. Thinking of our death often helps us to be less materialistic; it also helps us to forgive easily. Reminding ourselves that we shall die helps us to take life lightly and refrain from complaining when we don’t seem to have all we need.

Jesus did not condemn tithing; He said it is less important than justice, mercy, and faith. This means that on the last day, God will never ask why you refused to pay your tithes. Instead, He will ask you why you failed to practice justice, mercy and faith. We will be judged for failing to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick and the prisoners, etc. If you do not feel like tithing or you do not believe in it, you are not sinning.

St. Lawrence did not simply give to the poor; his giving was at the risk of his own life. Jesus says that unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it remains alone, but after it dies, it bears much fruit. It is always painful whenever we make sacrifices for God’s sake, but we must remember that our pain, like the death of the seed buried under the ground, will yield a great harvest.

Today’s Solemnity also challenges us to be the best version of ourselves as we strive to follow Christ’s footsteps on earth. Peter and Paul have long since passed away, but their legacies continue to shine. Our time on earth is relatively short, but our impact can last for eternity. As to why these two saints are celebrated together, the church wishes to teach us a lesson: Being a leader does not make you higher (or superior) than your followers.

The name Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” This name became a prophecy of Barnabas’ life. Barnabas, through his unwavering belief in Paul’s potential, persuaded the early Christian community to accept Paul as a disciple and played a pivotal role in shaping Paul’s future as a successful preacher.

Firstly, they are teachers who do not practice what they teach, wolves in sheep’s clothing, actors on stage and devils in secret. Secondly, false and fake teachers are people who become professionals in telling people exactly what they like to hear.