DAILY HOMILIES #Christ

Today’s first reading describes Jesus as the shepherd who seeks out His sheep. The Psalmist sings of Jesus as the shepherd who provides our needs. The second reading hints at Jesus as the priest who sacrificed Himself for our sake. Finally, our Gospel passage depicts Jesus as the King who reigns over, before whom we shall be judged at the end of the world.

You may not like those who hurt you, but at least be kind to them if you are in a position to help them. Be like David, who spared the life of Saul when he had a chance to kill him in his sleep. The good you do to your enemies will come back to you as a reward from God.

Anyone who hears God’s Word and puts it into practice is automatically a family member of Jesus. Regardless of your church, race, colour or nationality, you are family as long as you listen to and obey God’s voice.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says to us twice: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it… if you ask anything in my name, I will do it…” By saying “I will do it,” Jesus is telling us that He is both God and mediator at the same time. This is not easy to explain but just know that when we pray to God in Jesus’ name, it doesn’t mean that Jesus is in any way less than God. Jesus is God.

when it comes to witnessing Jesus Christ, there is no need for anyone to look down on himself. None of the twelve apostles was a perfect human being. For instance, in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus asked Philip: “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me?”

If we all chose to return to our old ways after today, if nothing changes about our lives, if we do not start seeking things above rather than engage in the blind pursuit of money, power and pleasure, then all our Lenten observances would have been in vain. If we do not rise from a life of sin, then it would seem that Christ has not risen from the dead and our proclamation would be empty words.

Like Lazarus who was bound all over, sin ties us down and keeps us stagnated spiritually. That is why we need Jesus in our lives. And it really doesn’t matter how deep sin may have crushed us. It is not too late today to repent and begin to live a new life in Christ.

If you really want to know who you are, forget about your titles or what anyone is saying and find out what your actions (especially those you do in secret) are saying about you.

Whether we like it or not, sin robs us of our peace of mind. It is always more profitable to avoid sin than to live with guilt. The pain of avoiding sin is brief but the pain of a guilty conscience lasts an entire lifetime. The book of Hebrews this morning mentions certain sins that we could regret forever; unkindness to strangers, indifference to prisoners, defiling the marriage bed, love of money and lack of contentment. As the book of Hebrews tells us: It is only when we avoid sin that we can confidently say: “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?”

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.

We deny Christ when we behave as if Jesus is not real. We deny Christ when we refuse to use our position, wealth, and political influence in society to advance the cause of Christ.

Have I fully received Christ? Am I a wolf in sheep's clothing? Do I outwardly claim to be for Christ yet act against him in private? And finally, as a child of God, what are my New Year's resolutions?