DAILY HOMILIES

When we are guilty, the truth sounds like an insult or a personal attack. This happens because God’s Word is alive. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Truth, like medicine, is bitter, but it brings healing. Instead of fighting it, accept its bitterness, and it will set you free (cf. John 8:32)

Do not be scandalised by any bad Christian. Rather, be inspired by the good ones and strive to be good yourself. Do not allow another person’s sinfulness to become your standard of judging good and bad. Just as there are different kinds of fish in God’s kingdom, we also have elements of good and evil within us

Jesus is not trying to monetise God’s kingdom (after all, no money is enough to buy heaven). Rather, in these parables, Jesus is restating the first commandment: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, cf. Mark 12:29-30, Matthew 22:37 & Luke 10:27). To love God with all of one’s heart, mind, soul and strength is to sell off anything capable of occupying your heart, mind or soul. In other words, do not let your possessions or earthly pursuits take the place of God in your life.

On the day of our baptism, God admitted us into his kingdom, and we now answered the name Christian. However, as time went on, Satan succeeded in sowing very bad seeds into some of us, and instead of bearing fruits, we became weeds (useless plants) growing within God’s kingdom. But remember, even weeds have the potential to transform into wheat with God’s mercy and our sincere efforts.

Despite her brother’s death, Martha still had faith in Jesus. She ran to welcome Him when she heard He was coming to her house. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” (John 11:21-22). Inspired by such great faith, Jesus raised Lazarus to life. Do not give up on God when the going becomes tough. You do not know what God is planning for you.

The miracle of the loaves keeps happening each time the little is broken. It was a miracle in motion. The more they broke apart, the more the loaves increased. Until we break that little, we will never know how much it is. Never assume you are too small or that you can’t do much. Help one person today. Break a little from your little and watch what happens.

Some of us believe that so long as you have given your life to Christ (received baptism), heaven is sure regardless of what you do. This was the problem Jeremiah addressed in today’s first reading. How do you engage in horrific acts (stealing, murder, adultery, idolatry, etc.) secretly and then come publicly before God in His temple to say, “We are safe”? Do you think God is blind?

The seed that fell on rocky ground describes persons who receive God’s Word with joy but cannot endure persecution because of God. These are Christians by convenience. When the going is smooth, they give God His due, but when it becomes tough, they quickly toss God aside. They are like fair-weather friends; they come to eat with you, but when you need their help, they behave as if you are a stranger to them.

It is a good thing to aspire to become the Head of your organisation, the Chairman of your community, the President of your group, the CEO of your company, the Bishop, etc. You may be ready to do anything, even to shed your blood like James and John, but you must remember that it is not your ambition or your effort that will get you what you want but the will of God.

Another way of understanding this parable is to think of the various soils as symbols of the time we devote to studying God’s Word daily. While the seed that fell on the path represents those who do not spend up to five minutes daily meditating on God’s Word, the seed that fell on good soil represents those who spend hours on God’s Word daily.

Jesus’ behaviour shows us that listening to God’s word supersedes family responsibility. In other words, if your parents (family members) are calling you and God is also calling you, answer God first before answering your parents. Jesus is not against family members, but He recognises that sometimes, those we love may act as obstacles to God’s will. On occasions when we have to choose between God and family, Jesus says: “God first.”

Today’s first reading comes from the Song of Solomon, a book about married love. This reading depicts Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus. When the others deserted Jesus at his arrest and crucifixion, Mary Magdalene was one of those who stood beside the cross. Do I stick to my faith (remain with Jesus) even in moments of suffering and pain?