DAILY HOMILIES

We often ask ourselves, “Where do I start? What impact will I even make?” Jesus came to save the whole world, and He had only thirty-three years to live on earth, thirty of which were spent in preparation. Today, the work Jesus began is still changing lives. The good you begin today, no matter how small, could snowball into something great; it might even outlive you.

Jesus asked the two blind men: “Do you believe I can do this?” Whenever you go on your knees to pray, picture God asking you this question, and please answer it sincerely. Was this question necessary? Jesus needed to ask them because the truth is that not all those who cry and shout in prayer have faith. Not all those who say “Lord, Lord” will enter God’s kingdom.

Many of us claim to trust God, but our actions betray this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we trust God, our actions will show it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us: “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” If we trust God, we will obey Him. For instance, God says: “Do not steal.” (Seventh Commandment). To obey this commandment and avoid stealing, you must trust that God will provide your needs.

Today, our Responsorial Psalm describes God as a shepherd who never lets his sheep down. A shepherd who gives his sheep repose along fresh and green pastures; a shepherd who guides the sheep along the right path; a shepherd who never abandons his sheep even when they walk through the shadow of death, and a shepherd who prepares a table for the sheep even in the presence of the enemies.

An African proverb says that if a child washes his hands very well, he will be invited to sit at the table and eat with the elders. In other words, if we are humble, regardless of our size and status, we will be granted access to high places. Humility will put people under us, like the child leading the lion, the leopard, the wolf, and the lamb.

Advent is a moment to call on Jesus, like the Centurion, who cried to Jesus: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, in terrible distress” (Matthew 8:6). In seeking Jesus, the Centurion displayed three great virtues: humility, faith, and love. He got Jesus’ attention and obtained healing for his servant.

The word Advent means “coming.” Who and what is coming? Our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, we celebrate two types of “coming” at Advent: the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh (commemorating the Virgin birth of our Christ) and the second coming of Christ at the end of time. During the season of Advent, we think of the events leading up to the birth of Christ, but we also remind ourselves that Christ will come again and that this whole world will soon end.

Andrew had a special talent for bringing people to Jesus. He was not selfish with the truth. Let us examine our conscience: Since I became a Christian, how many people have I brought to Jesus? Charity begins at home; how many of my family members have become better Christians because of my shining example and conviction? As St. Paul teaches in today’s first reading, preaching (bringing people to Christ) is beautiful. “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” (Romans 10:15)

The Book of Revelations may appear difficult to understand, but the message is clear—God will judge the world, and only those whose names are found in the Book of Life will eventually merit heaven.

Look up and raise your head. Look beyond this world. Look beyond the satisfaction you will gain by making money through dubious means. Look up; raise your head above the suffering you see around you. In a few years from now, we would all be dead and buried. No one will ask who drove the best car, ate the best food, or wore the best clothes. The only thing that would matter then is where we are spending eternity.

It is often said that if the devil is not fighting you, it is because you are working for hm. Many Christians today have grown lukewarm in their Christian faith, no longer letting their light shine and compromising their values. You should be worried if you are not facing persecution; it is a sign that you have aligned with the devil.

Have you ever invested money in a business only to realise you were duped? This is how God feels if we fail to bear the expected fruits. You may wonder: “Why do we have to face judgment?” No farmer plants without returning to reap the fruits of what he has planted. We shall only face judgment because God knows He has put so much good in us.