DAILY HOMILIES

Dear friends, if we really want to live as God’s children, we must be prepared to suffer many hardships. There is always a bitter price to pay for goodness. However, in the midst of all that may come your way, bear in mind that God never sleeps. The same Joseph who was so unfairly treated would eventually become the Prime Minister of Egypt. It may even be that your own reward will not come in this life, but don’t give up, keep being good. Your efforts will never be in vain.

Stories have the power to penetrate our subconscious thoughts. The beauty of a good story is that it is easily remembered; this way, one can hardly forget the message. Jesus Christ explored storytelling as a communication tool during his public ministry, and the stories He told thousands of years ago continue to strike our hearts today. Through storytelling, Nathan successfully delivered an uncomfortable message to David.

David was taking a walk on the roof of his palace when he caught sight of a woman bathing. Unlike the three corrupt judges who hid in a garden to watch Susanna taking her bath, David did not deliberately seek out this sight. Still, instead of taking his gaze away immediately, he allowed himself to be tempted all the more. Jesus warned us: “Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; you should lose one of your members rather than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-29)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Is a lamp put under a bushel or under a bed? For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest, nothing secret except to come to light.” Just as light can never be hidden, Jesus wants us to know that we can never hide. There is nothing we do secretly that would not eventually come to the light; there is nothing hidden that would not be known. It is only a matter of time. It is better to do what is right than to try to cover your tracks later on.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus illustrates why God’s Words do not work for some persons. The seeds sown had the potential to grow, but they needed the soil’s cooperation. Jesus did not work many miracles in his hometown because many did not believe. Instead of changing the seed, we should change the soil, that is, we must believe more.

The only piece of clothing on David’s body was the ephod. Saul hated Samuel for anointing David. He even tried to destroy the priesthood. Luckily, Abiathar escaped, and the only object of the priesthood left was the ephod, a piece of white cloth worn by the priest over their loins, which symbolises purity (chastity, sinlessness). The ephod (now known as Alb) is still worn by catholic priests today. By wearing this vestment, David recognised that, but for Samuel’s anointing, he couldn’t have come this far.

Just as a single candle is never intimidated by the darkness of an entire room, we must never be intimidated by the crowd that surrounds us. Who says we have to blend in with the culture of immorality? Jesus said: “Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

Whatever we seek from God will come to us so long as we make His Word a priority in our lives. The secret to your healing, your deliverance, and your breakthrough in life is to allow God’s word into your heart daily. Read God’s word, and use the word of God to pray. Speak God’s words over any situation you may be facing in life, and watch how great things will begin to happen.

Do not repeat Saul’s mistake. As a leader, learn to humble yourself and work with people who are brighter, wiser, stronger or even more prosperous than you. Celebrate others doing better than you are, learn from them, and give them the respect they deserve, even if they are younger than you. Don’t be insecure; pulling others down will not keep you at the top forever. If God has put you at the top, trust God to sustain you; avoid dirty politics.

For sparing Saul’s life, David proved that he was greater than Saul. With a heart full of shame, Saul prayed for David: “So, may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now, behold, I know you shall surely be king.” When you show kindness to your enemies, know that you are doing it for God, who will reward you. Do not assume that your kindness will change their attitude towards you (Saul would later continue his pursuit of David). Be good to them, for God’s sake.

Success is sweet but comes with challenges. Before Goliath, Saul regarded David as some harmless musician. Saul loved David. However, the moment Saul heard the women singing, Saul hated David. We all have people like Saul in our lives; they become a threat to us the moment we start shining. If something good comes your way, they either block it or try to eliminate you. Am I genuinely happy for my friends when good things come to them? Do I accuse them of pride or develop hatred against them because they have become more prosperous, more innovative or successful?

Approach the storms with a positive attitude. God will not allow you to experience a trial unless He wants to use it to bless you. David had just been anointed king, yet he was just a musician in Saul’s palace, a shepherd and an errand boy. It seemed as though the anointing was a waste. Goliath became the mighty storm that would bring David to the limelight. When you face a storm, stop asking: “God, where are you?” Instead, ask: “God, what do I stand to gain from this?” David asked his brothers, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?” Once you can see the prize, challenges transform into opportunities.