DAILY HOMILIES

As the scribe said: “to love our neighbour as ourselves is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” If the love of God is not in our hearts, if there is hatred against others in our hearts, then our singing and dancing in church, our rolling up and down, our speaking in tongues and so on, are all useless.

We may claim to be Christians, we may even hold high positions in the Church but with falsehood still reigning in our lives, we are actually acting against Christ and scattering the flock of God’s kingdom.

Have you ever wondered what would become of your life if you were committed to obeying God’s commandments to the letter? Why do we often consider God’s words as too difficult to follow? Why do we often pick and choose?

It surely makes a lot of sense to revenge on the wrongs done to us by others, to teach them a lesson or to show them that we are not to be toiled with. This is often the message in all our action movies – it is the wisdom of the world. However, as Christians, Jesus expects us to operate with a higher level of wisdom; one that sounds foolish to the world, a wisdom that forgives, that turns the other cheek after receiving a slap, a wisdom that says: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Dear friends, do not make the mistake of the people of Nazareth. Be content with what is yours. Value your own. Value the Church, understand its sacraments. Deepen your faith.

Isn’t it high time we cleansed our temples from profit-making enterprises? Isn’t it high time we cleansed our hearts from the love of money which hides under the false pretext of serving God? Isn’t it high time we stopped flocking around self-acclaimed miracle workers as if we need Jesus to constantly prove himself to us over and over again?

God is inviting us today to rise from where we have fallen, to pick up our Cross again, to say with the Prodigal Son, “I will arise and go to my Father.”

Are you a victim of jealousy? Don’t be discouraged. Don’t give up. Don’t begin to hide your talents because of those trying to pull you down. Regardless of the stumbling blocks on your way, remain motivated, keep bearing fruits; keep shining. If you cannot fly, then run, if you cannot run, then walk, if you cannot walk, crawl

Hell is real, please do all your best to avoid it! Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, Jesus says, that you do unto me. Don’t share your food only with the rich, invite poor people too to table.

If you ever find yourself in a position of service, consider it a privilege, an opportunity to improve yourself, to learn and to grow. Serving others helps you to understand people, it makes you discover your talents and acquire new skills.

Let us examine ourselves today: Do I practice what I preach? Am living in pretence? Do I do in secret those things I condemn in public?

Children must resemble their father, their DNA must match. If we are not merciful, we cannot claim to be children of God and we really have no business in heaven. Your best possible life can only happen when you are merciful. Your heart is too precious to be used as a storage device for hurt, bitterness and vengeance.