DAILY HOMILIES

In the end, the only thing that should concern us is whether or not our names are written in the book of life. What shall it profit a man that he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Nothing! Today is a day to repent, to begin afresh; to perform good deeds that would inscribe your name in that book of life.

Everything seems dull and bleak. No one knows where our nation’s economy is going. Faced with another economic depression and stagflation (prices of food and essential commodities jumping above the roof) and a government of that seems unconcerned, we are left with no choice but to harken the words of Jesus: “Look up and raise your heads.” Yes, let us look up. Look up at God, not to social media. Look up, take your minds away from what is troubling you. Look up and surrender everything to God.

Are you being persecuted? Never return hatred for hatred; do not let hatred so fill your mind that you become like the devil you are fighting againts. Jesus says: “turn the other cheek, love your enemies, wish good to those who wish you evil, pray God’s blessings over those who hurt you.” Remember what the book of Proverbs says: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22).

In giving an offering, we are not increasing God’s wealth but showing our love for Him. In one of the prefaces for Mass, we say: “Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing to your greatness but profits us for salvation.” That is to say, no matter how big our offering may be, it does not add to God and if we decide not to give, it does not reduce God.

If you consider Jesus as your King, then live as His subject. If you consider Jesus as your Shepherd, live like His sheep; follow His instructions with a childlike trust. If you consider Jesus as your priest, then surrender completely to Him.

Are you being persecuted for your good works? Does it seem as if your enemies are succeeding? Just relax. God knows how to fight for His own and if it is His will, be assured of a better life awaiting you in heaven. Dream of heaven, imagine how life would be over there. Take your gaze off this world with all its crazy ups and downs; look forward to heaven.

Dear friends, just as John was asked to eat the scroll, we too are called to eat the word of God every day. Jesus said: “Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).

The lamb Abraham said God would provide, the lamb that was sacrificed in Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the lamb Samuel offered and the prophets spoke about is Jesus Christ. As Peter would say: “You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

An idle mind coupled with an absence of work is the devil’s workshop. Jesus will come again but while we expect Him, we must not forget that He wants to find us busy when He comes. Do you realize that even while Jesus was alive, people were already expecting the world to end? Our focus should be on how we must use the talents, gifts and opportunities available to us.

When we desire to see Jesus, there is always going to be an obstacle; a stumbling block or a set-back. Zacchaeus’ obstacle was his height. Just see how he used the sycamore tree to solve this problem. What is your obstacle; your weakness or your limitation? What efforts are you making to remove whatever is preventing you from full communion with Jesus?

Like the blind man who called out to Jesus vehemently, let us go on our knees to beg for restoration. Let us not allow anyone to distract us or prevent us from calling on Jesus. Let us pray that our eyes would be open again. Let us pray that we may return to our first love.