DAILY HOMILIES #St. Paul

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.

Being a Christian has never and will never be easy. Living out the dictates of our Christian calling requires a lot of personal sacrifices, because it is not the popular way of the world, and it attracts the world’s hatred. “Because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19).

As simple as it sounds, loving our neighbours as ourselves is a sacrifice. When we love others, they respond with hatred. They take advantage of us when we are kind, sincere and open. If you expect people to appreciate you for living a righteous life, love you for loving them, or even reciprocate your kindness, you are wasting time. Whatever good you do for others, know that you do it for God.

Do not be ashamed of testifying to our Lord, … but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Jesus Himself declared: “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Avoid using others to judge your progress in life. We are social beings and tend to follow the crowd. Also, we derive a sense of achievement from knowing that we are doing better than others, especially those within our close circle. Even among Jesus’ disciples, there were rivalries and arguments about who was the greatest. (cf. Luke 9:46, Luke 22:24). Peter wanted to know if John would have to carry a heavier cross, but this inquiry was never necessary.

Rather than praying for a long life, let us pray for a life that has a significant impact. Rather than wish death away, let us pray for the grace to accomplish our purpose on earth. Rather than fear death, let us fear sin, whatever would make us unworthy of being with the saints in heaven.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus likens these persecutions to the pains a woman feels when she is about to give birth: “When a woman is in travail, she has sorrow because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; your hearts will rejoice…” (John 16:20-23).

The Athenians did not accept Paul because they couldn’t face the truth. They acknowledged their ignorance by making an Altar with the inscription: “To an unknown god,” but when Paul brought the truth to them, they resisted it.

The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of evangelisation. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth who bears witness to Him. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot know the truth about God. We cannot witness to God without first receiving the witness of the Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, even when we witness God to our fellow human beings, our success depends entirely on the Holy Spirit.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus introduces us to the third person of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, the Spirit of Truth, and the indwelling presence of God in the life of the believer. As we gradually approach the Feast of Pentecost, our readings today present an urgent call upon us to intensify our prayers for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Develop a thick skin ready to handle “spiritual stress” during moments of tribulation. Be willing, like Job, to accept whatever comes your way, knowing that God remains forever your loving Father. Let not your hearts be troubled. Challenges are part of life. If the road is too smooth, the journey would be tedious. Just keep moving. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

It is believed that Mark was among the Seventy whom Jesus sent out two by two into the surrounding countries in Luke 10:1-20. As Luke narrates, the seventy returned rejoicing, declaring that the evil spirits obeyed their bidding. This is the same reality Mark conveys in the concluding part of his Gospel passage, which we read today. “And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by signs that attended it.” (Mark 16:20).