DAILY HOMILIES

This woman shed tears because she regretted her past life (she had a bad reputation). This is the correct attitude we must have when we confess our sins in the Sacrament of Penance. This woman did not speak but used her tears to confess her sins. She was truly sorry, and in the end, she was forgiven for her sins.

Many may claim to love, but lacking these qualities, they practice “trade-by-barter.” Any love that cannot forgive (has an expiry date) is not love. Any love that only gives when it takes is not love. Any love that begins and ends with sexual attraction is not love. In truth, much of what our world today considers as love is not love at all. The best definition of love is the image of Christ on the Cross of Calvary.

The human body has different parts, and so does the body of Christ. All these parts have specialised functions and work together to keep us alive. We are not all Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Musicians, etc. We are not equally gifted. Some can work miracles; others can speak in tongues and interpret these tongues. Instead of fighting each other, let us learn to use our gifts for the benefit of all.

If only we could have the Centurion’s kind of faith, there would be no limit to the number of miracles we would experience. Let the words we recite at every mass remind us of how the Centurion’s slave was cured and assure us of our healing.

Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack, and giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake. As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith.

We celebrate the Cross of Jesus Christ today and the various crosses we bear as Christians. In the Beatitudes, Jesus told us to “rejoice and be glad” when we are persecuted, insulted, excluded, oppressed or denied our rights for His Sake. This is what we are doing today – rejoicing in our sufferings, knowing that for every pain we endure, a crown awaits us in heaven.

A blind man cannot lead a blind man. To be a good leader, one must be above his followers. You must have a vision, see the future you intend to create, and ensure your followers see it. You cannot be a good leader if you cannot see beyond your followers. Perhaps this explains our situation in this country. Why doesn’t it seem as though we are in a pit?

Thank God for your enemies. Always wish them well. Enemies are blessings in disguise; they help to bring out the best in us. Enemies remind us to be careful and prayerful. Enemies serve as road signs, speed bumps, and other safety signals that prevent us from road accidents. Enemies are like hot water that helps to cook the food. Do you wish to get to the top or see your dreams come true? Pray to have enough enemies to challenge you.

When detached from worldly riches, we will realise that suffering taunts, hatred, exclusion, ridicule and injustice is a blessing for Christ’s sake. It is a blessing to be attacked for doing good. You should be worried if you are not suffering anything for being a Christian. As the saying goes: “If the devil is not fighting you, it is probably because you are not a threat to him.”

What did Jesus tell us to do when a brother sins against us? Did he say we should write an article on social media or make a video post condemning the brother? Jesus said: “Meet him alone. If he refuses to listen, take one or two others with you. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17).

Jesus knew that the Pharisees were following him to find fault with him. He could have chosen the path of diplomacy, pretending he didn’t see the man with a withered hand. He could have signalled this man to meet him secretly, but Jesus chose to heal him publicly. Do not be afraid of what anyone would do to you. Only fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Cf. Matthew 10:28)

Each time we attend the Sacraments, Jesus asks the question He asked the two blind men following him in Matthew 9:27-30, “Do you believe that I can do this?” If you believe Jesus can do it, you will receive your miracle. However, if you do not believe, you are no different from the people of Jesus’ hometown.