DAILY HOMILIES

As Christians, we are constantly the subject of hatred by wolves who pretend to love us. Jesus does not pray that we should be taken out of the world. Jesus prays that we should be protected from the evil one. Even though we wrestle against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12), we are assured of God’s protection. We do not wrestle as victims but as victors, because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

The thought of death should not frighten us since it is our chance of returning home. However, if we are scared of it, it is either because we are not prepared or we are certain of eternal condemnation – that is, we are yet to start fighting the good fight (against sin, the flesh, injustice and ungodliness) and we are not running the race of righteousness.

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. You cannot have the Holy Spirit in you and remain sad and miserable because the Holy Spirit must bear fruit in you. The joy the Holy Spirit gives us remains regardless of whatever trials or tribulations we may encounter in life. Let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our lives that he may fill us with supernatural joy and bless us with a kind of peace that this world cannot provide.

Watch out for envy in your heart. Ask yourself: “Are there certain people I don’t like just because they are good at what they do?” Celebrate the gifts of others. Avoid developing hatred for someone simply because they do not attend the same church or hold the same doctrines as you. They may interpret the Bible differently, but this does not necessarily mean your interpretation is superior.

Learn from Mary’s visit – look beyond your challenges and difficulties. Place ourselves in others’ shoes and visit them. Talk to them before talking about them (avoid gossip that damages others’ reputations). Mary is a mother who understands. Elizabeth did not ask Mary to come over. Upon hearing about Elizabeth’s situation, Mary immediately ran to her aid.

Nothing lasts, as Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage; even if we face sorrow, it will turn into joy. “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).

Jesus then lifted his hands to bless the disciples, and as he blessed them, he was carried into heaven before their very eyes. Does it mean that Jesus is no longer with us? Of course, no. By going up to heaven, Jesus did not create a distance between himself and humanity; rather, his Ascension confirms the truth that we all have a final destination that is not here on earth. Jesus is still with us. Jesus is always with us.

We live in a world where it is difficult to find honest people. Never trust anyone who tells lies; they don’t know God. Are you in the habit of telling lies? It is time to ask the Holy Spirit’s help. If someone knows the truth and decides to twist it, that person can efficiently work for the devil. You may have heard the saying: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” Lies glorify the devil because it is his nature to deceive and destroy.

It is easy to think we are alone when bad things happen to us; we find it difficult to pray, let alone sing praises to God. Paul and Silas teach us a vital lesson today – praise God even in bad times. How do we glorify God when it seems He failed to protect us from evil? Remember you are never alone, even when bad things happen. The Holy Spirit is always with you; praise God regardless of your situation.

The Holy Spirit is our Counsellor. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as a Counsellor. The word ‘Counsellor’ can refer to a lawyer who defends a client in trouble or a therapist who advises one experiencing psychological trauma (or other related difficulties). In other words, the Holy Spirit as Counsellor is a solid helper for us as we battle to survive in a world that is not ours.

You will experience true bliss if God makes your heart His home. You will taste the sweetness of heaven even while still on earth, and you will have peace. Rather than spending your energy on fleeting pleasures, turn to God and deepen your love for God. Spend more time in prayer, ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart, and you will find peace. He who has God lacks nothing, but He who lacks God lacks everything.

The world hates Christians because it sees a reflection of Christ in them. “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19). The world prefers darkness to light. Evil is always more attractive than good.