DAILY HOMILIES

The life of St. Thomas, whom we celebrate today, is a typical example of a saint who was just like you and me. He had every reason to doubt the resurrection of Christ because nothing like that had ever happened before. However, when Jesus showed Himself to Thomas, he fell to his knees and worshipped Jesus, saying, “My Lord and My God!”

While the friends of the paralytic made their faith visible, the scribes at that gathering felt that Jesus was blaspheming. For them, Jesus was a man trying to make himself equal to God. These scribes dared not voice their thoughts, but Jesus could hear them. We may pretend about our faith, but we cannot fool God; He knows when our presence in the Church is a formality.

It annoys God when we sing melodiously and dance skilfully in church, yet return home to sin without remorse. It annoys God when we do not make any efforts to repent of our sins yet continue to make people around us believe we are holy. “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps, I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

The question is not whether or not we will face trials, but how do we respond in such moments? Faced with the storms, the disciples expected the worst; they cried out, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Jesus was disappointed with them not because they prayed but because they prayed with fear; that is, they were not expecting their prayers to be answered.

Today’s Solemnity also challenges us to be the best version of ourselves as we strive to follow Christ’s footsteps on earth. Peter and Paul have long since passed away, but their legacies continue to shine. Our time on earth is relatively short, but our impact can last for eternity. As to why these two saints are celebrated together, the church wishes to teach us a lesson: Being a leader does not make you higher (or superior) than your followers.

Jesus also speaks of a prophet’s reward, a righteous man’s reward and a little child’s reward. This takes us to our first reading. In appreciation for the house she built, Elisha thought of how to say “thank you”, and when Gehazi told him she had no child, Elisha assured the woman that she would embrace a son. Dear friends, the reward we get for serving God is always greater than whatever sacrifices we make.

The irony of life is that while we look down on what is ours, others value it more. While many were struggling to believe in Jesus, a Centurion, a Roman Soldier in charge of a hundred soldiers, had enough faith to see that Jesus is God; that He only needs to speak the word and the whole world would obey. Even Jesus was amazed at his great faith: “In no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Can Jesus say this of you too? Do you believe there is power in prayer?

Never forget God when your life is rosy. The psalmist sings: “Let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not.” The question is – why did they forget God in the first place? Why did they worship false gods? Like the Israelites, we are fond of asking, “Where is God?” in times of crisis, but when enjoying peace and success, we say, “Who is God?” Whenever we forget God and start trusting in ourselves (our connections, riches, security mechanisms, etc.), God shows us that we are dust.

Today’s First Reading demonstrates the message in the Gospel passage. Jehoiachin knew God’s words, but he failed to practice them. Like many Christians who lack a solid foundation, Jehoiachin wanted God’s protection, provision and blessings, but was unwilling to do what God commanded. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand, and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:26-27).

Children are not merely a continuation of their parents’ lives. Every child deserves their name; they have a destiny that may not necessarily align with their parents. Zechariah sang praises to God when his speech was restored. He repented of complaining and doubting. Like Zechariah, learn to praise God even when things appear very difficult.

Letting your light shine in a world that loves darkness is like swimming against the tide. Embrace the difficult choice of doing what is right, even if it is unpopular. If you are threatened for doing what is right, trust in God as Hezekiah did. God knows how to fight for his children.

It is easy to judge people when we are not in their shoes, do not understand them, or have never experienced their situation. It is very easy to condemn a footballer when you are not the one kicking the ball before a crowd of 45,000 people. It is easy to condemn a politician for stealing public funds when you have never been in a position with such access to public funds.