DAILY HOMILIES #faith

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.

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.

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.

To many, the widow’s mite was insignificant, but for that widow, these two coins meant the whole world to her. The others gave money, but she gave value. The others gave what they didn’t need, but she gave what she needed for survival. She, like Abel, sacrificed the best, and God accepted her sacrifice.

Like falling in love, the beginning is usually very sweet; you think about the person all day, and you are ready to do anything for them, but as time passes, familiarity creeps in, the fire goes out. Upon conversion to the faith, the Ephesians must have begun many devout practices pleasing to God, but over time, these practices faded away.

Faith will keep you going despite the failures you encounter. Edison believed in his vision, and even when he failed repeatedly, he wouldn’t stop. This is the kind of faith we need in God – a faith that continues to believe regardless of our failures or disappointments. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus uses the parable of the woman and the unjust judge to teach us the need for persistence in prayer.

Do you feel sad about the suffering our leaders meted out on our people? It is time to start building yourself up to take their place. Complaining and insulting leaders on social media and other platforms might not solve the problem. Over the years, many have condemned our leaders openly, only to do worse things when they eventually get into power. You are the hope for our nation. Become the change you desire to see in society.

As much as we must respect the house of God, we must never forget that our very bodies are also dedicated temples of God. Today, we are called to cleanse our minds and hearts. We are called to make a whip of cords and search through our lives for any sinful inclination or vice that pollutes the temple of our bodies.

Ironically, while a blind man did not have trouble recognising Jesus as the Son of David (the promised Messiah), many who could see clearly with both eyes had trouble believing that this “son of a carpenter” was the Son of God. How many Catholics can “see” Jesus present, soul and divinity, in the Holy Eucharist? Bartimaeus was blind, but deep inside him, he could see God present in the person of Jesus. This inner sight eventually brought about his physical sight.

Just as it would be foolish to trust that circumcision alone is enough for our salvation, it is foolish to assume that words enough are enough for prayer. Our words must be accompanied by faith that all things are possible with God. A deep trust in God must accompany our words. God is a Father who truly cares for his children and will go the extra mile to rescue us when we are in need.

Job was not privileged to attend the meeting where his matter was discussed. Little did he know that his unfortunate circumstance was not coincidental. Job had no idea that he was being tested. Yet, he passed the test. We are told: “In all these, Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job’s success came from his childlike attitude and his willingness to accept things as they are.

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.