DAILY HOMILIES #Nehemiah

The great catch of fish was a turning point in Peter’s life. He immediately recognised God's presence and confessed his sins. Isaiah had a similar experience in today’s First Reading. Meanwhile, in today’s second reading, St. Paul confesses how he previously persecuted the Church, yet God made him an apostle. Is it the case that God prefers working with individuals with a sinful past? What do we learn from these readings?

Two Sundays ago, we celebrated the first mystery of light (the Baptism of Jesus), and last Sunday, we celebrated the second mystery (the self-revelation at the Wedding Feast at Cana). From today until we enter the season of Lent, we will be celebrating the third mystery of light—Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion. In each of these mysteries, we are being enlightened and given more light into Jesus’ true identity as God in the midst of men.

In our first reading today, we see how the people were touched when they heard the word of God read to them by Ezra, the priest. This reading of the Book of the Law would not have been possible without the ground-breaking work of Nehemiah, who rose from the position of cup-bearer to Governor of Judah.

The saying goes that “some give to the mission by going while others go to the mission by giving.” You don’t need to be a priest, a pastor, a prophet, a bishop, etc., to serve God or to contribute to the building of His kingdom on earth. Consider your present occupation as your vocation. Do not only be concerned about your salary; use your connections to promote God’s kingdom.