DAILY HOMILIES #world

In today’s first reading, Daniel declared: “To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship shall never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14). The dominion of Jesus can never pass away, and no one can destroy His kingdom. As we hear in today’s second reading, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

When detached from worldly riches, we will realise that suffering taunts, hatred, exclusion, ridicule and injustice is a blessing for Christ’s sake. It is a blessing to be attacked for doing good. You should be worried if you are not suffering anything for being a Christian. As the saying goes: “If the devil is not fighting you, it is probably because you are not a threat to him.”

Without love for God, the cross is a punishment, but when there is love in our hearts, the cross is worth carrying.

Paul looked into the future while addressing the elders (pastors) at Ephesus concerning fake pastors whom he described as ‘fierce wolves.’ Jesus also saw the future when He spoke of the world’s hatred against His disciples. Today, this hatred no longer comes from external forces but from fierce wolves in sheep's clothing operating from within the church

Prayer brings joy; it is both spiritual and therapeutic. Prayer helps to offload your burdens, calm your nerves and relieve your fears. Appreciate prayer because it can bring you the things you desire and because prayer (itself) is good for you. If a problem shared is a problem half-solved, prayer is sharing your problems with the only person who can truly solve them.

The world prefers darkness to light. Evil is always more attractive than good. If you are not experiencing opposition from the world, it means there is nothing about you that points to Christ; you are not a threat to the kingdom of darkness because they see you as one of theirs.

Rise above the world; do not be conditioned by it. Yes, we all are victims of poverty; we are all struggling to survive harsh conditions, but it doesn’t mean we can be bought. Be that person who would not move even if offered all the money in the world. Let your faith in Jesus go beyond lips service.

Our hearts are always restless because only God can bring us true satisfaction. It is pure wisdom to constantly remind yourself that you came to this world empty and will return empty; you are just a sojourner on earth.

Do not be so concerned about knowing the future that you forget the present. Jesus says, “Yes, the world will end, but for now, just get busy.” Make full use of the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon you. Spread the kingdom of God so that upon His return, the Master may find you doing what He commanded and that your talents would have yielded abundant fruits.

As children of God, we have been hired (at various times) into His vineyard. Regardless of when we were hired, God expects us to bear fruits – He demands that at harvest time, we will account for our opportunities, gifts and talents.

Let us put to death our earthly passions and desires. Aspire for sainthood instead of aspiring to be rich. Instead of working to achieve fame and glory and be spoken of highly by people, devote your time towards securing a seat in heaven.

How often do we become too comfortable in a foreign land that we forget about our home? There is nothing wrong with seeking greener pastures abroad, but don’t forget your home. Like these Israelites, we too have come to love this world so that we forget we are only sojourners on earth.