DAILY HOMILIES

The letter to the Hebrews, in drawing our attention to the importance of God’s words, says: “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden…” (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Faith is always visible. St. James would say, by my works, I will show you my faith. Faith without corresponding works is dead. In today’s Gospel passage, four men brought their paralytic friend to Jesus through the roof. Mark tells us that Jesus SAW THEIR FAITH. (Mk 2:5) Jesus also saw the faith of the scribes and pharisees who were questioning in their hearts. They were not bold enough to speak out but Jesus could hear their thoughts. We may participate actively in the church, sing and dance but God sees the inner thoughts going on within us. God knows whether or not we truly believe.

To be merciful is to have a heart of pity for others, a heart that feels the pain of others, a heart that wants to see them well again, strong, healthy and back to the light. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus, “moved with pity” stretched out his hand and touched a leper. Jesus didn’t have a hardened heart. The book of Hebrews admonishes us: “Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… take care; brethren lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart.” (Hebrews 3:8-13).

As children of God, when we leave the Church, we are to realize that our time in the Church was a time of spiritual impartation. We carry something with us when we leave, something we cannot see physically yet it is real. More still, we even receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We should never assume we are empty. We should consciously take what we have received and reached out to the sick; those who cannot come to church; those who do not yet believe in God; those who are passing through some difficulty or another.

The letter to the Hebrews teaches us that God subjected everything in the world to us. “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels, you have crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet. Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control.” (Hebrews 2:6-8).

Christianity as we practice it today needs to die and become born again. This death is concretized in the baptismal promises to which we respond “I do.” I reject Satan. I reject everything that Satan has to offer. I refuse to listen to Satan’s promises. I reject the glamour of evil. I reject any sinful habit. I walk in the light.

The wise men brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This is Epiphany; a revelation of the identity of Jesus as KING, PRIEST AND SAVIOUR of the world. Jesus had not even started to talk or walk when this happened yet it is clear to the whole world that He is God in human flesh. He rules as King with gold, He sanctifies as a Priest with incense (which we still use today at mass) and as Saviour of mankind, Jesus’ body would be preserved with myrrh when he offers his life for our salvation.

Prayer is never about commanding God; it is pleading with God knowing that He is not our servant but our Father. Hence, obedience to God should naturally proceed from our prayer. After pleading with Jesus, Mary said: “Do whatever He tells you.” How can you be asking from God when you are not ready to do whatever He tells you?

Rise above the world; do not be conditioned by it. Yes, we all are victims of poverty, we are all struggling to survive harsh conditions but it doesn’t mean we can be bought. Be that person who would not move even if he or she was offered all the money in the world. Let your faith in Jesus go beyond lips service.

Any relationship where both parties are only concerned about what they can get from the other person is a disaster waiting to happen. The fact that you are attracted to someone because of that person’s qualities (for instance, good looks, good behavior, sexual appeal, kindness, power, wealth, etc.) does not mean that you love that person.

The problem with many Christians today is that they assume there can somehow be a middle way. So long as we know the difference between what is right and what is wrong and we still choose to do what is wrong, we are acting as children of the devil.

If you truly desire to rid yourself of your sins, you need to improve your relationship with Jesus, that is, spend more time with Jesus – deepen your prayer life. Occupy your mind with the things of God; read books, and seek to know God better. Pray for an increase in faith that God may open your eyes to see why sin is evil, and that God may strengthen your desire to live above sin.