DAILY HOMILIES #ten commandments

What is the key to avoiding sin? How do we avoid worshipping the various gods in our world today? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a mustard seed that appears to be the smallest of all seeds but eventually grows into the largest of all shrubs. In other words, as the saying goes, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.” No one becomes a saint or a star overnight. A good character begins with good habits. You may start by observing one hour of sinlessness daily and gradually increase it.

The constant challenge before us, as Christians, is to recognise our true potential as wheat amid weeds. You are an eagle, not a chicken. You are meant to shine, like a lamp which gives light in the house, not meant to be hidden under a bushel. You are meant to fly high, not follow the crowd. You can be a Saint; do not be discouraged by the weeds you grew up with.

Jesus did not just tell this story for the sake of entertainment; he passed on a powerful message by ending with the phrase: “Go and do likewise.” This final statement of Jesus was His answer to the question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is not enough that we hear God’s word. If we fail to do likewise, our hearing is in vain. Most of us like to think of ourselves as perfect candidates for heaven, but I ask you today: When was the last time you showed kindness to a stranger?

Jesus was asked one question but gave two answers. He was asked, “Which is the first commandment?” but added the second. Why? Jesus knew that without adding the second, “Love your neighbour,” the first would be meaningless, yet the second is pointless without the first. As John puts it: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20). Loving God with all our heart, soul and might is not a matter of coming to Church it is rather a matter of loving our neighbour as ourselves.

The only sign we need is the Cross. Have you ever wondered why the Crucifix is boldly displayed in the middle of all Catholic Churches? This is what we preach – Christ crucified.