DAILY HOMILIES #God

Even if we are right, there is no need to offend anyone. It is not enough to do what is right; we must refrain from sending the wrong message to those who may not understand us. Like Jesus, who presented himself for baptism even though he was sinless, we must strive to fulfil all righteousness. Hence, even though we do not belong to this world, we cannot evade the payment of taxes.

This was now the second time the disciples were facing a possible shipwreck. Previously, Jesus was with them, but he was sleeping on a cushion. When his disciples woke him, he rebuked them for their lack of faith. This time, Jesus could see they were even more scared knowing He wasn’t with them in the boat, so He went to them walking on the sea. This was a lesson to the disciples, a proof that no matter how tough and challenging their journeys may be, they must never be afraid.

My brothers and sisters, have you written your will? If God were to demand your soul this very night, would He call you a fool or a wise person? According to St. Ambrose, “The things that we cannot carry with us are not our own. Virtue alone is the companion of the dead. Mercy alone follows us—and mercy alone gains abodes for the departed.”

For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:10). Asking, searching, and knocking require expectation in our hearts to be effective. Meanwhile, our expectations depend on the degree of our respect for God. Now, you can understand why Jesus “did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58).

If only God could open our eyes to see his glory, ascending and descending upon the Tabernacle, we would not be able to contain ourselves as the Psalmist sings. “My soul longs and yearns to be in God’s presence. A day in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere!” I would rather dwell in the foot mats of God’s house than have a three-bedroom suite in the devil’s mansion.

There is a saying: “Do not spend your health trying to make money because all the money in the world cannot buy back your health.” Similarly, we can say: “Do not spend your soul trying to gain the world because all that the world contains cannot buy back your soul.” Never get so busy that you do not have time for personal prayer and daily examination of conscience (which is the act of checking up on your soul)

What is the key to avoiding sin? How do we avoid worshipping the various gods in our world today? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a mustard seed that appears to be the smallest of all seeds but eventually grows into the largest of all shrubs. In other words, as the saying goes, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.” No one becomes a saint or a star overnight. A good character begins with good habits. You may start by observing one hour of sinlessness daily and gradually increase it.

Prayer is not one-way traffic. We ask God because we are His children, and by asking Him, we also declare that we live according to His instructions. Sin destroys our relationship with God. When we pray, we should have complete confidence in God. At the same time, our prayer must affect the kind of life we live. If we beg from God, we must not forget that others are begging from us; others who need our charity; others who need our forgiveness; and others who need us to intercede for them, just as Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Who amongst us would like to visit our community’s king in rags? Not to mention the Governor of our state or other high-ranking Government officials? If we strive to put our best foot forward in meeting human beings, what is wrong with going to confession and taking a bath before attending Mass? If we respect God, why do we make noise (engage in vulgar conversations), play with our phones or transact business inside the church?

Moses delivered God’s message: “Let My People Go.” Pharaoh, like many leaders in today’s world, refused. He would rather keep a whole nation enslaved and oppressed than allow them to go and form their own country. But this wasn’t going to last long. God showed that He is greater than Pharaoh. Our leaders must learn that leadership is a transient quality. If being in power is no longer for the benefit of those under you, let the people go, or you may find yourself contending with God.

Like Moses, there are times when we become too conscious of the greatness and complexity of our problems that we completely lose sight of God's greatness. Despite seeing that the bush was burning yet not consumed, Moses still feared the wrath of Pharaoh. When we pray to God, it is unfortunate that instead of reflecting on God, we often reflect on our problems. Instead of contemplating God, we consider our enemies.

While sending his disciples to preach, Jesus told them they were like sheep amid wolves. This meant that they were going to face all kinds of persecution. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells them not to be afraid: “Have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26). We are not to be scared because whatever secrets plan our enemies have against us will indeed be exposed.