DAILY HOMILIES #suffering

Jesus is saying to us today: “Whatsoever you do to the least (the smallest, the unimportant, the poorest, the minority, the outcast), that you do unto me.”

As far as serving God in this world is concerned, we are always going to face trials; there would be moments we would become so discouraged with regards to doing good

One lesson we learn from Jesus is the need to always tell ourselves this truth: “It is not going to be easy but glory awaits me in the end.” Faith in God is not a shield against tough times; it is the motivation to push through despite the obstacles.

Mary remains a model in terms of how we are to deal with pain. This is why whenever we are sorrowful, we should run to her maternal embrace. Mary who felt the pain of the couple at the wedding feast, when they ran out of wine, would surely speak to her son Jesus on our behalf when things are not going right for us.

Let us learn from Lawrence the need to be charitable and the willingness to let go of our life itself so that we can have a better life in heaven

If in your opinion the Christian life is hard/impossible, it is a sign that you do not love God. Love is not something we can pretend about. Jesus tells us: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

At the conclusion of the Bible Study with the apostles, Jesus said: “… that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46-48). Peter says the same thing in our first reading: “… To this, we are witnesses.” (Acts 3:15)

Cheer up. The sufferings you are experiencing now for the sake of your faith is your cross. For now, everything seems shameful, painful and difficult. Don’t worry, just as we are venerating the cross today, people will come from north, east and west to listen to your story and congratulate you. Do not give up on God just because it is Good Friday.

In conclusion, the Passion Narrative teaches us a lot about ourselves. The bitter truth is humanity has not changed at all since the time of Jesus. We are still ruled by money, we still betray one another, we are still stingy, we do not pray well, and we often act to please the crowd. Let us learn from history and avoid making the mistakes of those who killed Jesus.

Like Jesus’ kinsfolk, we need to ask ourselves today: “Why do I look down on what is my own? What is stopping me from seeing beyond the Carpenter’s son? Why is it that I cannot see the hand of God even in midst of this painful situation I am facing right now?

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a man scattering seeds on the ground and then goes to sleep. How the seeds spouts, the farmer does not know. When things are tough, we are not able to see the brighter side. Little by little, that which you thought was your worst nightmare eventually becomes your most treasured moment.

If God permits suffering in your life, it is not out of hatred or punishment, it is because He knows that something good can come out it. Don’t have this attitude of complaint or bitterness against God, do not seek to revenge (lest you open your mind for the devil to feed you with all kinds of evil thoughts). Just look at the unique opportunities your situation is offering to you.