DAILY HOMILIES #Jesus

Noah preached repentance for one hundred years; only his immediate family agreed to enter the Ark, but Jonah preached for three days, and he succeeded in bringing a whole nation to its knees. What was special about Jonah’s preaching, and why was it extremely effective?

No matter what your past has been, you can begin anew. Today is your last chance. Today is the day you repent, return and renew your covenant with God. Today is when you examine your conscience and introspect how well you have been living your baptismal commitments.

"Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his desire.” (James 1:14). In other words, the devil that we often accuse of causing temptations lives within us (in our minds). This ‘devil’ that we carry everywhere is called desires. We tempt ourselves with our desires.

Every time you face trials, know you are on the verge of a breakthrough. Something great is coming your way; you only need to pass this test. Trials are like promotion examinations we write before moving higher. St. James says: “Count it all joy when you meet various trials.”

From a spiritual perspective, we may define leprosy as a sin, given that it is not only deadly but also highly contagious. Hence, Jesus warned: "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!"

“Hard times create strong men; strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men; weak men create difficult times.” These words, to a large extent, capture the story of David, Solomon and Jeroboam.

“We learn nothing from success. We learn everything from our failures. No one talks about failure. It is like a shame. Failure is a shame. No one goes, ‘What do we learn from it?’ Meanwhile, with success, everyone shouts about it. There is nothing in success. Success happens after failing hundreds of times.” Ed Sheeran

Remember that song: “When Jesus is in the family, happy, happy home…” Jesus’ presence in a home makes all things right. Is there anyone sick in your house? Are you experiencing a family crisis, tired of the headaches of stubborn children, or experiencing marital crisis and infidelity? Then it is time to let Jesus into your house by driving out the devil, by driving out any sinful or evil practices in your homes. Bring Jesus into your bedrooms through prayer, for where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there. (Cf. Matthew 18:20).

Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple to do what the law prescribed. They knew that Jesus is God, yet they obeyed the law, presenting God to God. In other words, they knew there was no need to bring the baby Jesus to the temple, but in humility (not wanting to appear like the special ones in their community), they followed the law.

Do not get carried away by the glories of that leadership position (the power, the fame or the financial benefits). Be concerned about the welfare of the people lest you become a tool of destruction. If you want to be a leader to escape poverty, please reconsider.

To assume that everyone you see well-dressed and sitting calmly in the Church is perfect and holy is to forget that Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). Demonic possession does not show in a person’s face but as Jesus said: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16).

Prayer is not all about informing God of our needs and problems (as if He does not already know). Prayer is a relationship, a dialogue. As we talk, we must listen because God speaks to us when we come into His presence.