DAILY HOMILIES

I guess you’re asking, “Does Jesus need a hypeman?” Yes. Jesus needs you and me to tell the world about Him. Jesus needs your voice, your hands, your legs. He needs your platform, your social media space, your connections, and your popularity. If worldly-minded people are not ashamed to identify with evil, why are we ashamed of our Christian faith? If, for the sake of monetisation, our youths today are ready to do wild things on social media, why are we afraid of “going crazy” for Jesus, knowing that the reward that awaits us far outweighs the dollars they hope to earn from social media companies?

One word that perfectly describes unmerited favour is GRACE. It is God answering the prayers we never said, connecting us with people we never dreamt of, taking us to heights we never knew, and filling us with riches we never worked for. Your life can change in just one day.

Samuel tried to identify all the negative aspects of having a king to discourage the elders, but at this point, they were too angry to listen. They said: “We will have a king over us so that we also may be like all the nations.” In moments of failure, we tend to look down on ourselves, our efforts, our religion, or what we have. Stop trying to be like everyone else. You have a unique destiny. If God allowed you to fail, it is for a purpose. Identify the mistake and stop blaming God.

Those who treat prayer like magic have no respect for God. They see themselves as powerful and regard God as an object that will always do their bidding. Instead of begging God, they issue commands. Instead of acknowledging their nothingness like John the Baptist, who said he was unfit to untie the sandals of Jesus, they boast of their powers and even give themselves titles. Instead of praying for others and telling them not to publicise it (as Jesus did in today’s Gospel passage), they bring cameras to televise it. They reduce the sanctuary to a stage on which people clap and drop money onto the floor for the performer (in this case, the man of God). Church services quickly transform into concerts when prayer is seen as magic.

Prayer is not all about informing God of our needs and problems (as if He does not already know). Prayer is a relationship, a dialogue. As we talk, we must listen because God speaks to us when we come into His presence. Additionally, as Eli coached Samuel in responding, we need spiritual directors to guide our spiritual growth.

That a man with a demon could enter the Synagogue should alert us to the fact that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” in the church is genuinely saved. Some of us are merely satanic agents, demons in disguise, intent on destroying souls. The only shield we have as Christians is prayer. Jesus commanded demons not just because He is God but because He was a man of prayer. A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.

Wipe your tears and tell yourself the truth. You are not the only one who has enemies. You are not the centre of the universe. Repent of your sins first, then leave everything to God. Jesus told us to seek first His kingdom, and everything will be added to us. (cf. Matthew 6:33). Your challenges are never an excuse for living recklessly. Be like Peter, Andrew, James and John in today’s Gospel passage. When Jesus called them, they didn’t consider what they were about to lose; they believed what Jesus offered was of greater value. Put God first; live out your baptismal vows and trust that God has something great ahead for you.

As soon as John the Baptist baptised Jesus, it became clear that Jesus did not come to be cleansed from sin. Instead, Jesus came to reveal (to manifest, to make known – epiphany) Himself to the world as God and as the second person of the Trinity. The heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Those who witnessed this event quickly recalled the passage from Isaiah (where our first reading today comes from), and it dawned on them powerfully that Jesus is not just anybody but God among men; the promised Son of God; the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.

Those who told John the Baptist that Jesus was now baptising hoped it would make John sad or spark some form of competition, but to their amazement, John was pleased to hear it. Whatever you do for your church, financially or physically, should never be about competition. It should never be to promote your name or your business; it should only be about increasing God’s kingdom.

Your healing starts with faith. No one who approaches Jesus with faith will ever leave disappointed. As St. John teaches us, faith is our victory over the world. “Who is it that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1st John 5:5). Even in Jesus’ time, there were many lepers and sick people in Israel; many had contact with Jesus, but only those who touched him with faith received healing. God is not weak; you only need to reignite your faith.

On the last day, we will be judged by the extent of love we show to others. (cf. Matthew 25:40-45). Bring joy to others. Be like Jesus in today’s Gospel passage, who said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18). Many are poor, held captive, and oppressed by various societal challenges. No one is without problems. Do not live only for yourself. While you are praying for a helper, you are the helper that others are praying for. Before asking for help from someone, ask how you can help them.

We desire everything to be smooth and easy, like children who would do anything to avoid an examination. It doesn’t work that way. There are holiday times and exam times. God often allows us to walk through the valley of the shadow of darkness to show us that even in thick darkness, even amidst all the commotion and turbulence, He remains Lord and Ruler of the World. By walking on water, Jesus said, “No matter how tough your situation may be, it is not difficult for me because I am on top of it.”