DAILY HOMILIES #St. Francis of Assisi

Jonah did not try to paint or sugarcoat the truth; he was not interested in gathering followers but in obeying the voice of God. Despite the moral decadence in our society, many preachers avoid the truth. In many places, church services are organised to entertain and encourage donations. We live in the age St. Paul was referring to when he said: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Our inner restlessness is not a result of a lack of material comforts, but rather a lack of a solid connection with God. Even though we gather all the pleasurable things in the world, make all the money, and become the most powerful persons, we would still be UNHAPPY if we lacked a connection with God. The best we can ever get away from God is a tickling of our senses, but genuine happiness is found only in God.

Miracles are not things we should glory in; they are signs pointing to deeper realities. Upon seeing the great fish catch, Peter immediately descended on his knees before Jesus, saying: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). No one likes to be used and dumped, but this is exactly what we do to God when we seek His blessings and refuse to obey His words.