DAILY HOMILIES #truth

Even after orchestrating the death of Jesus Christ, the high priest and his council refused to admit the truth. They angrily said to the apostles: “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (Acts 5:28). Who else should the apostles hold responsible for Jesus’ death? Who paid Judas Iscariot? Who instigated false witnesses against Jesus? Who mobilised the crowds to shout “Crucify Him?”

When Jesus told the women to tell his brothers to go to Galilee, Jesus meant that his brothers should move from unbelief to faith. Dear friends, we do not need visas to go on a pilgrimage to this special Galilee. As long as we have hearts ready to welcome Jesus like the Galileans and truly believe, we will see Jesus.

The story of Susanna tells of the courage of a well-trained woman who preferred death to sin. The judges thought they could blackmail her, but God came to her rescue. In today’s Gospel passage, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus whom they accused of adultery. Like the Judges in our first reading, they thought they had cornered Jesus. In the end, Jesus, God in human flesh, displayed a wisdom far superior to any human imagination.

Be good, not for the sake of attracting the applause of people but for God’s sake. As long as you desire to serve God, be prepared for attacks and tests (Cf. Sirach 2:1). Do not be a mediocre Christian lest you fail when tested, and then you become a laughing stock of those who do not believe that good people are still in existence.

Be good, not for the sake of attracting the applause of people but for God’s sake. As long as you desire to serve God, be prepared for attacks and tests (Cf. Sirach 2:1). Do not be a mediocre Christian lest you fail when tested, and then you become a laughing stock of those who do not believe that good people are still in existence.

Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple to do what the law prescribed. They knew that Jesus is God, yet they obeyed the law, presenting God to God. In other words, they knew there was no need to bring the baby Jesus to the temple, but in humility (not wanting to appear like the special ones in their community), they followed the law.

Rise above the world; do not be conditioned by it. Yes, we all are victims of poverty; we are all struggling to survive harsh conditions, but it doesn’t mean we can be bought. Be that person who would not move even if offered all the money in the world. Let your faith in Jesus go beyond lips service.

If we claim to be children of God, there are certain things we should never do, whether or not anyone is watching us. As children of God, we should never be ashamed or afraid of living righteously. On the other hand, we should not assume that everyone is a child of God.

Christmas reminds us that amid everything that frightens us, God is still with us. This is the meaning of the name “Emmanuel.” God knows how difficult it is to live a good life or to speak truth to others. Hence, He came to be with us. When your life is threatened, read today’s first reading and try to feel God holding your right hand and leading you on.

Cherish your integrity; stop trying to be two-faced or diplomatic with evil. It is not enough to denounce evil with our lips; we must denounce it with our actions. We must never give anyone the wrong impression. Are you a leader in any capacity? Do you have people looking up to you as their mentor? Then, stop trying to be hot and cold simultaneously. To such persons, God says: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:14-17)

You can make this world a better place. Visualise it, believe it is possible, and work it out. Be ready to make whatever sacrifice is required. Your faith will bring you success.

We learn from Ezekiel that if we fail to correct (win back) those going astray, God will hold us responsible for their soul. Nevertheless, in correcting them, we must do it with a spirit of love because, as St. Paul says, love is the only debt we owe others. Meanwhile, Jesus gives us the steps to follow in this process of winning back and reconciling with one another.