DAILY HOMILIES #faith

Joseph deserves a lot of heroic commendation for his Faith. By obeying the Angel, Joseph showed that he believed in the possibility of God taking flesh in the womb of a person. Joseph believed strongly that with God, all things are possible.

Christmas reminds us that amid everything that frightens us, God is still with us. This is the meaning of the name “Emmanuel.” God knows how difficult it is to live a good life or to speak truth to others. Hence, He came to be with us. When your life is threatened, read today’s first reading and try to feel God holding your right hand and leading you on.

We learn from the centurion to be humble, bearing in mind that we are not worthy to have Jesus come to us. Humility is not just thinking less of myself; it is thinking big of the God I serve. If only I knew how big God is, rather than seeing prayer as a waste of time, I would consider each minute I spend praying a privilege.

Andrew was the first person to be called by Jesus to be His disciple. In John’s Gospel, Andrew was one of the two disciples of John the Baptist who left him to follow Jesus. This was after John the Baptist announced: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Lesson One: Andrew did not doubt John the Baptist; he had not seen Jesus before or witnessed any miracle but believed. Andrew is a Man of Faith

You can make this world a better place. Visualise it, believe it is possible, and work it out. Be ready to make whatever sacrifice is required. Your faith will bring you success.

Deliberately thank God always so you can confidently ask God when you are in need. Ten lepers were cured, but only one was made well. Being cured of our problems is one thing: gratitude makes us whole, complete, and well.

One does not become a saint or a sinner overnight. The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one tiny and often unnoticed step. It is not the size of the first step that matters but the direction in which it points. Jesus tells us today that the Kingdom of God begins like a grain of mustard seed that is planted.

To be covetous is to live in a world of “I”, “me”, and “myself”; a world where I care only for one person – me. To be covetous is to be like the rich man in the parable Jesus gave us in today’s Gospel passage, who thought only about himself in his plan to enjoy his riches.

Why is it easy to exercise restraint when others are watching, yet when we are alone (or think no one is watching), we throw caution to the wind? This was the problem of scribes and Pharisees. Jesus told them: “Nothing is hidden that would not be uncovered… even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Are there things I do in secret that I am ashamed of?

By saying that “all have sinned,” St. Paul is not saying we should glory in our sinfulness. He emphasises that we must avoid boasting, feeling superior to others, and looking down on others. “Are we any better off?” St. Paul asks, “No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin.” (Romans 3:9).

God has truly visited his people. This is the meaning of the name “Emmanuel.” God is with us. There is no problem or difficulty worth taking your life. Present the matter to God in prayer and be sure that Jesus, who raised the dead, will make a way where there seems to be no way.

The Centurion wanted Jesus to utter a word. He knew that distance was not a barrier. Indeed, the centurion knew that Jesus was the commander in charge of the universe. Do I recognise this fact also? If so, why am I always afraid of demons and evil spirits? Why is my fear of the devil more than my fear of God?