Homily for the Sixth Sunday Of Easter, Year A
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/ Psalm 66/ 1 Peter 3:15-18-/ John 14:15-21
Agorsor Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: The Trinity is our protector
In the latter part of the Easter season, we move from the contemplation of the resurrection appearances to meditation upon the continued presence of the exalted Christ with his Church through the Holy Spirit. The First reading is, therefore, closely linked with the Gospel reading to emphasise that the Church is a community in which the Holy Spirit is given and shared. This is made possible by a unity with the apostolic community and the Jerusalem Church which was the centre of salvation history; communion with the risen Christ and through him with the Father- a Trinitarian experience; an experience that is not based on emotions but on the commandment of love and in dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel reading for last Sunday’s Liturgy, Jesus admonished the disciples not to let their hearts be troubled by giving them three assurances namely that Heaven awaits them, that they have God as their Father and above all, he has taught them how to pray. Today, Jesus gives them another assurance; an assurance of the presence of another advocate; the Holy Spirit. Jesus understood how his apostles felt. He wished to make it clear that their fear was groundless. He assures them, therefore, to “ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to be with you forever” (John 14:16). He assured them again that “I will not leave you orphaned, I am coming to you” (John 14:18).
In the first reading, we see a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to his apostles. This was made possible by unity within the apostolic community and the Jerusalem Church. Even after his ascension, Jesus did not abandon the people of Samaria in whose region he had worked miracles during his public ministry. As Philip responded to the command of Christ to preach the Gospel, he left Jerusalem for Samaria under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. There in Samaria, his preaching met with immediate success and when further spiritual help beyond baptism was needed, that is, the giving of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands, Philip had Peter and John come to Samaria and confirm the new converts.
What happened in Samaria has continued down through the centuries. The promise of Jesus has also been fulfilled in us. We too have received the Holy Spirit and because of him, we are not left alone. Through this same power the Father and the Son are present within us. Indeed, we have God even within ourselves. We have to search Him out. We must respond to his presence within us; in fact, we must pray.
For the apostles to experience the transforming effects of the Holy Spirit, they must be in constant communion with the Risen Christ. Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth “This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you and he will be in you” (John 14:17). The world cannot receive the Spirit because the world lives “by sight” and not “by faith.” Furthermore, the world does not know Jesus Christ and you cannot have knowledge of the Spirit apart from the Son. The presence of the Spirit in this world is an indictment against the world for the world rejected Jesus Christ. Anyone who does not speak the truth rejects Jesus. In our world today, truth has become relative. Anyone who stands for the truth becomes an enemy to society. Many people are languishing in prison because the powers that be have sold their dignity for personal interest.
The experience of the Holy Spirit is not based on emotions but on the commandment of love. Love is a manifestation that we have received the Holy Spirit. “They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me and those who love me will be loved by my father and I will love them and reveal myself to them” (John 14:21). The condition for the presence of the Holy Spirit is Love. He promised that he will reveal himself to them if only they love him. Love is the essence; a condition sine qua non for an experience of the Holy Spirit.
The fear that the disciples exhibited when Jesus told them of his leaving is a reality that faces every Christian. The Second reading is an admonishing to all Christians that our calling entails suffering. St. Peter admonishes us to maintain a clear conscience “… So that when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame” (1Peter 3:16b). Indeed, the Trinity is our protector.
It is only a Christian who maintains a clear conscience who can witness to the truth. According to St. Peter “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with reverence and gentleness” (1Peter 3:15-16). The converse is true for those who claim to be Christians but are not true to their conscience. They are quick to react violently when someone questions them about the authenticity and credibility of their faith expression.
In conclusion, it is indeed a terrifying experience to be left all alone in life. However, we are not alone, abandoned, helpless and hopeless. There is no need to have a troubled heart when you have the very Spirit of God dwelling in you. We must learn to turn to God in simple, earnest prayer in all aspect of our lives. Anyone who claims to have the Holy cannot oppose the teaching authority of the Church; he must be in communion with the Church and above all must realise that the spirit’s presence is not based on emotions but on the commandment of love.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Homily For The Fifth Sunday Of Easter, Year A
Acts 6:1-7/ Psalm 33/ 1 Peter 2:4-9/ John 14:1-12
Agorsor Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: CHALLENGES ARE ENGINE FOR GROWTH.
There is no single theme running through the Liturgy for today. It will seem artificial to want to establish a common theme. The readings for today’s Liturgy focus on four main issues namely the bridging of tensions between conflicting views or groups within the Church; the need for adapting the apostolic ministry to changing times; the common priesthood of all Christians and the true meaning of Christ’ departure.
To begin with, I must emphasise that conflict, division and tension in the Church did not begin today. It can be traced from the beginnings of the Early Church. Often, what bring about conflict is usually something trivial and in its triviality when taken for granted, can divide the Church. The Early Church had to face this problem too for “During those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food” (Acts 6:1).
The Church was experiencing growing pains and this was making it impossible for the apostles to minister to everybody. The Hellenists were the Greek-speaking Jews who had come to Palestine from other nations and therefore may not have spoken Aramaic while the Hebrews were Jewish residents in Palestine who spoke Aramaic and Greek. The fact that the widows of the Hellenists were being neglected created a situation that could have divided the Church. However, the apostles handled the problem with great wisdom and did not give Satan any foothold in the fellowship.
When a Church faces a serious problem, it presents the leaders and members with a number of opportunities for growth. For one thing, problems give us the opportunity to examine our ministry and discover that changes must be made. In times of success, it is easy to maintain the status quo, but it is dangerous.
The apostles studied the situation and concluded that they were to blame: they were so busy serving tables that they were neglecting prayer and the Ministry of the Word of God. They had created their own problems because they were trying to do too much. Even today, some pastors are so busy with secondary tasks that they fail to spend adequate time in study and prayer. This creates a “spiritual deficiency” in the Church that makes it easy for problems to develop. This is not to suggest that serving tables is a menial job, because every ministry in the Church is important. It is a matter of priorities; the apostles were doing jobs that others could equally do.
Church problems also give us the opportunity to exercise our faith, not only in God but in each other. We are told that “The Twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom whom you may appoint to this task” (Acts 6:2-3). The Church was not afraid to adjust their structure in order to make room for a growing ministry. When structure and ministry conflict, it gives us the opportunity to trust God for a solution. It is tragic when Churches destroy ministry because they refuse to modify structures. The apostles were not afraid to share their authority and ministry with others.
The Early Church Community may differ from ours today in terms of administration and numerically. Therefore, there is the need for adapting the Apostolic Ministry to the changing times. As a Church community we have a lot to learn from the leadership skills of the Apostles. How do we solve problems in our Parish communities? As Pastors of souls, are we sensitive to the plight of our members no matter how trivial it may seem? The Apostles called together the whole community, a sign of concern and dedication to the growth of the community. They did not ignore the issue in its triviality but approached it with all seriousness.
This problem of distribution arose perhaps because those who did the distribution of food were not honest men. Dishonesty, nearly caused division in the Early Church. We who are entrusted with leadership in our Parish community must do it with honesty and dedication so that our Priests can have more time for Prayer, the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments. If we need men full of the Holy Spirit to distribute food, then your guess is as good as mine.
The Second reading spells out clearly the priesthood character of the community of believers. That the common or the servant Priesthood of believers stems from the priesthood of Jesus Christ cannot be over-emphasised. Thus St. Peter says “The Lord is a living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him, so that you too, the holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices which Jesus Christ has made acceptable to God, may be living stones making a spiritual house” (1Peter 2:4-5).
We are reminded that our Priesthood is not independent of Christ. We are called to offer our very selves as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. In this sacrifice as St. Peter Chrysologus says “…a man does not look for something outside himself to offer to God; there a man brings with himself and in himself and for himself a sacrifice to God; there the victim is not consumed and the priest never completes his task; there the victim is slain but lives…”Again, a priestly community declares the wonderful deeds of him who calls it out of darkness into his marvelous light (cf 1Peter2:9).
The Gospel reading brings out the true meaning of Christ’s departure namely in order to be ever present with his community at all times in all places, through the “greater works” that his Church performs. When Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray him and that Peter will deny him three times, the disciples were troubled. He admonishes them “Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).
However, the heavier blow was the fact that Jesus was going to leave them. Where was he going? Could they go with him? These were some of the perplexing questions going on in their minds. Jesus did calm their troubled hearts by offering them some assurances which when we claim today will calm our troubled hearts namely that Heaven awaits them (John 14:2-3), that they have God as their father (vv. 7-11), that they have the privilege of prayer (vv.12-15).
In sum, our Parish communities must become centres of unity and anything that threatens unity must be nipped into the bud immediately; our Parish communities must open itself up to modern trends but preserve the values of our faith; that we are a priestly people who must continually offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God and above all, that the resurrection should invoke faith in us instead of having troubled hearts. We pray for all Parish communities that are experiencing challenges; for Pastors and lay leaders who have been weighed down and overwhelmed by challenges and cannot see the way forward. Rise up to the task and see these challenges as engine for growth.
Acts 6:1-7/ Psalm 33/ 1 Peter 2:4-9/ John 14:1-12
Agorsor Aaron Agbeshie
THEME: CHALLENGES ARE ENGINE FOR GROWTH.
There is no single theme running through the Liturgy for today. It will seem artificial to want to establish a common theme. The readings for today’s Liturgy focus on four main issues namely the bridging of tensions between conflicting views or groups within the Church; the need for adapting the apostolic ministry to changing times; the common priesthood of all Christians and the true meaning of Christ’ departure.
To begin with, I must emphasise that conflict, division and tension in the Church did not begin today. It can be traced from the beginnings of the Early Church. Often, what bring about conflict is usually something trivial and in its triviality when taken for granted, can divide the Church. The Early Church had to face this problem too for “During those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food” (Acts 6:1).
The Church was experiencing growing pains and this was making it impossible for the apostles to minister to everybody. The Hellenists were the Greek-speaking Jews who had come to Palestine from other nations and therefore may not have spoken Aramaic while the Hebrews were Jewish residents in Palestine who spoke Aramaic and Greek. The fact that the widows of the Hellenists were being neglected created a situation that could have divided the Church. However, the apostles handled the problem with great wisdom and did not give Satan any foothold in the fellowship.
When a Church faces a serious problem, it presents the leaders and members with a number of opportunities for growth. For one thing, problems give us the opportunity to examine our ministry and discover that changes must be made. In times of success, it is easy to maintain the status quo, but it is dangerous.
The apostles studied the situation and concluded that they were to blame: they were so busy serving tables that they were neglecting prayer and the Ministry of the Word of God. They had created their own problems because they were trying to do too much. Even today, some pastors are so busy with secondary tasks that they fail to spend adequate time in study and prayer. This creates a “spiritual deficiency” in the Church that makes it easy for problems to develop. This is not to suggest that serving tables is a menial job, because every ministry in the Church is important. It is a matter of priorities; the apostles were doing jobs that others could equally do.
Church problems also give us the opportunity to exercise our faith, not only in God but in each other. We are told that “The Twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom whom you may appoint to this task” (Acts 6:2-3). The Church was not afraid to adjust their structure in order to make room for a growing ministry. When structure and ministry conflict, it gives us the opportunity to trust God for a solution. It is tragic when Churches destroy ministry because they refuse to modify structures. The apostles were not afraid to share their authority and ministry with others.
The Early Church Community may differ from ours today in terms of administration and numerically. Therefore, there is the need for adapting the Apostolic Ministry to the changing times. As a Church community we have a lot to learn from the leadership skills of the Apostles. How do we solve problems in our Parish communities? As Pastors of souls, are we sensitive to the plight of our members no matter how trivial it may seem? The Apostles called together the whole community, a sign of concern and dedication to the growth of the community. They did not ignore the issue in its triviality but approached it with all seriousness.
This problem of distribution arose perhaps because those who did the distribution of food were not honest men. Dishonesty, nearly caused division in the Early Church. We who are entrusted with leadership in our Parish community must do it with honesty and dedication so that our Priests can have more time for Prayer, the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments. If we need men full of the Holy Spirit to distribute food, then your guess is as good as mine.
The Second reading spells out clearly the priesthood character of the community of believers. That the common or the servant Priesthood of believers stems from the priesthood of Jesus Christ cannot be over-emphasised. Thus St. Peter says “The Lord is a living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him, so that you too, the holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices which Jesus Christ has made acceptable to God, may be living stones making a spiritual house” (1Peter 2:4-5).
We are reminded that our Priesthood is not independent of Christ. We are called to offer our very selves as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. In this sacrifice as St. Peter Chrysologus says “…a man does not look for something outside himself to offer to God; there a man brings with himself and in himself and for himself a sacrifice to God; there the victim is not consumed and the priest never completes his task; there the victim is slain but lives…”Again, a priestly community declares the wonderful deeds of him who calls it out of darkness into his marvelous light (cf 1Peter2:9).
The Gospel reading brings out the true meaning of Christ’s departure namely in order to be ever present with his community at all times in all places, through the “greater works” that his Church performs. When Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray him and that Peter will deny him three times, the disciples were troubled. He admonishes them “Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).
However, the heavier blow was the fact that Jesus was going to leave them. Where was he going? Could they go with him? These were some of the perplexing questions going on in their minds. Jesus did calm their troubled hearts by offering them some assurances which when we claim today will calm our troubled hearts namely that Heaven awaits them (John 14:2-3), that they have God as their father (vv. 7-11), that they have the privilege of prayer (vv.12-15).
In sum, our Parish communities must become centres of unity and anything that threatens unity must be nipped into the bud immediately; our Parish communities must open itself up to modern trends but preserve the values of our faith; that we are a priestly people who must continually offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God and above all, that the resurrection should invoke faith in us instead of having troubled hearts. We pray for all Parish communities that are experiencing challenges; for Pastors and lay leaders who have been weighed down and overwhelmed by challenges and cannot see the way forward. Rise up to the task and see these challenges as engine for growth.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Homily For The Fourth Sunday Of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) Year A Acts 2:14a, 36-41/ Psalm 23/ 1 Peter 2:20b-25/ J
Today is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday. As shepherd, Jesus feeds his Church through the apostolic ministry namely in his Word and Sacraments.
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Homily For The Fourth Sunday Of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) Year A Acts 2:14a, 36-41/ Psalm 23/ 1 Peter 2:20b-25/ J
Today is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday. As shepherd, Jesus feeds his Church through the apostolic ministry namely in his Word and Sacraments.
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Homily For The Fourth Sunday Of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) Year A Acts 2:14a, 36-41/ Psalm 23/ 1 Peter 2:20b-25/ J
Today is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday. As shepherd, Jesus feeds his Church through the apostolic ministry namely in his Word and Sacraments.
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
The first reading is a continuation of last week’s and it goes on to indicate the response of those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost. The response that preaching evokes is “What shall we do?” Therefore “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other Apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The response of Peter was a call to repentance; an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Messiah. This means that repentance in this context means not merely sorrow for past individual sins, but a radical reassessment of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Repentance will be followed by Baptism which presupposes the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism is the event in and through which converts are brought into the sphere of the salvation that Jesus brings. Above all, they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God; a mark of God’s ownership on us.
Baptism gives us the opportunity to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. The image that John uses in the Gospel reading today has a lot of implications for leaders in all spheres of life and those who are being led.
Firstly, Jesus’ sermon grew out of his confrontation with the Jews leaders following the excommunication of the blind beggar from the synagogue (in Greek apo synagogus John 9). As a good shepherd, Jesus tells them “… Anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit” (John 10:1). The false shepherds are the Jewish leaders who did not care about the man. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd came in and took him in (John 9:35-38).
Jesus the Good Shepherd knows every sheep true and true for, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). It is consoling to know that Jesus knows everybody by name. Just imagine the world’s population of about six (6) billion people and he knows you by name no matter where you are. Jesus loves us all and if only we will heed his voice, our lives will be like a watered garden; our peace will be like a river and our righteousness like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 48:18).
In our culture, a shepherd is always behind the sheep, but in the case of the Good Shepherd “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). This implies that the Good Shepherd takes the initiative to lead his sheep to greener pasture. He single handedly shoulders any obstacles on the way and allows the sheep to move in freedom and tranquility.
Secondly, Jesus’ sermon goes to those who are being led. It is only the sheep who knows his voice who follow him. As Jesus leads us to freedom and life, it is only those who allow themselves to be led who find true freedom. The work of shepherding God’s flocks is an ongoing task that is entrusted to the whole church with Peter as head. As today we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we need to ask ourselves an important question: Am I a faithful member of God’s flock? Only those sheep who follow the guidance of the shepherd could ever hope to arrive at the green pastures or be safe from the ravenous wolves.
The only voice we know is the voice of Jesus himself because he made us. Just as every child knows the voice of his parents, so are we accustomed toJesus’ voice. When we fail to listen to the voice of Jesus, our ears will be itching to hear something else that will lead us into temptation.
Some few years back, I was teaching the Sunday school kids on Good Shepherd Sunday. I told them that the Parish Priest (Father) was the shepherd and the members of his congregation were the sheep including them. I, then put this question to them: “What does the shepherd do for the sheep?” A little fine looking boy in the front row raised his hands and answered, “He fleeces them.” True enough, shepherds go into the business for the purpose of fleecing, milking and feeding on the sheep. But when the Bible speaks of the leaders of God’s people as shepherds, it envisions leaders who feed, protect and feel with the people as a good shepherd does for his flock.
How could I participate more closely in the work of shepherding God’s flock? Bishops and pastors, as well as Sunday school teachers, Catechists, parents and the like – all participate in various forms of shepherding God’s flock. How can I be a better shepherd in my own state, reaching out with understanding and compassion to the weak and misguided dropouts of Church and society, so that through me they may hear the loving voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
The Second reading reminds us that through his suffering, Jesus bore all our infirmities, our afflictions and worries. He is indeed the shepherd and guardian of our souls. He is indeed our shepherd there is nothing we shall want.
In sum, a shepherd presupposes a relationship. Baptism is that door. It disposes us to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus not only gave his life for us, but he gives his life to us right now because he came that we may have life and have it abundantly. As shepherds in our various capacities, our job is to give life. I doff my heart out to all who have remained faithful to their calling as shepherds. To those who have been a disgrace to the role of shepherding should live above reproach and assume their roles effectively. For those who are being led, pray for a docile heart to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Friday, May 6, 2011
HOMILY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A Acts 2:14, 22-33/ Psalm 16/ 1 Peter 1:17-21/ Luke 24:13-35
People are often puzzled by the various modes of Christ’s presence. Today, the liturgy reminds us that Christ is both present in his Word and in the breaking of bread. Thus both Word and Sacrament are integral part of a single coming of the risen Christ to his people and to every Christian Assembly.
In the first reading, Peter having been filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost gave four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ namely that Jesus was a human being (vv. 22-24); the prophecy of David(vv. 25-31); the witness of the believers(v.33); the presence of the Holy Spirit(vv.33-35). These evidences show that the Resurrection of Jesus is a reality.
In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we again, see how Jesus reveals himself to us not only through his Word but also through the breaking of bread. Emmaus was a small village eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. The two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus were discouraged disciples who had no reason to be discouraged. They had heard of the reports of the women that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel but their hopes had been shattered.
“Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). This explains why Jesus opened the Word to these two men as the three of them walked to Emmaus. Their real problem was not in their heads but in their hearts. They could have discussed the subject for days without arriving at a satisfactory answer. What they needed was a fresh understanding of the Word of God and Jesus gave that understanding to them when “He said to them, “How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared… then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures” (Luke 24:25-27). He opened the scriptures and then opened their eyes and they realised that Jesus was not only alive but right there with them.
Their basic problem was that they did not believe all that the prophets had written about the Messiah. That was the problem with most of the Jews in that day: they saw the Messiah as a conquering Redeemer, but did not see him as the Suffering Servant. As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not the suffering, the crown but not the cross.
When Jesus explained the Scripture to them, I am sure that they began getting understanding but “As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly saying “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over. So he went in to stay with them” (Luke 24:28-29). They had been won over by the Word of God even though they did not know who Jesus was. All they knew was that their hearts were ‘burning’ within them and they wanted the blessing to last. We are told that they virtually forced him to stay with them.
The more we receive the Word of God, the more we will want to fellowship with the God of the Word. Having mere bible knowledge can lead to just an intellectual understanding of Jesus but receiving the truth and walking with the saviour will lead to a burning heart. They now experienced Jesus personally and this is what made the difference in their lives.
The best evidence that we have understood the Word of God and met the living Christ is that we have something to share with others. For “That same hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying “The Lord has indeed risen and he has appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34). What a difference it will make in our Churches if everybody will witness to the Resurrected Christ personally every time we hear the Word of God.
As if the Word of God was not enough for them to bear witness to Christ. They also recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. “Then they told what has happened on the road and how he has been made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35). As the Word of God renewed their faith in Jesus, the Eucharist aided them to recognize Jesus. What is our own experience whenever we come to Mass?
The second reading reminds us that ‘fear’ or circumspection must characterize the Christian life. This is because “ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways you inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish” (1Peter 1:18-19). The fact that he laid down his life for us places a moral obligation on us to live dignified lives.
May God give us a fresh understanding of his Word and the Eucharist we celebrate every day. What a privilege it was for them to listen to Jesus expound the Word and broke bread with them. But privilege always brings responsibility; they were to be witnesses of all that Jesus had said and done and they were to do it in urgently. A witness is somebody who sincerely tells what he had seen and heard. We too are sent out to witness to Christ in his Word and in the breaking of the bread. This takes place at the end of the Mass when the Priest says “Go in the peace of Christ the Mass is ended”. This is what the Church has faithfully done in the celebration of the Mass over the years.
In the first reading, Peter having been filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost gave four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ namely that Jesus was a human being (vv. 22-24); the prophecy of David(vv. 25-31); the witness of the believers(v.33); the presence of the Holy Spirit(vv.33-35). These evidences show that the Resurrection of Jesus is a reality.
In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we again, see how Jesus reveals himself to us not only through his Word but also through the breaking of bread. Emmaus was a small village eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. The two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus were discouraged disciples who had no reason to be discouraged. They had heard of the reports of the women that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel but their hopes had been shattered.
“Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). This explains why Jesus opened the Word to these two men as the three of them walked to Emmaus. Their real problem was not in their heads but in their hearts. They could have discussed the subject for days without arriving at a satisfactory answer. What they needed was a fresh understanding of the Word of God and Jesus gave that understanding to them when “He said to them, “How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared… then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures” (Luke 24:25-27). He opened the scriptures and then opened their eyes and they realised that Jesus was not only alive but right there with them.
Their basic problem was that they did not believe all that the prophets had written about the Messiah. That was the problem with most of the Jews in that day: they saw the Messiah as a conquering Redeemer, but did not see him as the Suffering Servant. As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not the suffering, the crown but not the cross.
When Jesus explained the Scripture to them, I am sure that they began getting understanding but “As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly saying “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over. So he went in to stay with them” (Luke 24:28-29). They had been won over by the Word of God even though they did not know who Jesus was. All they knew was that their hearts were ‘burning’ within them and they wanted the blessing to last. We are told that they virtually forced him to stay with them.
The more we receive the Word of God, the more we will want to fellowship with the God of the Word. Having mere bible knowledge can lead to just an intellectual understanding of Jesus but receiving the truth and walking with the saviour will lead to a burning heart. They now experienced Jesus personally and this is what made the difference in their lives.
The best evidence that we have understood the Word of God and met the living Christ is that we have something to share with others. For “That same hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying “The Lord has indeed risen and he has appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34). What a difference it will make in our Churches if everybody will witness to the Resurrected Christ personally every time we hear the Word of God.
As if the Word of God was not enough for them to bear witness to Christ. They also recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. “Then they told what has happened on the road and how he has been made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35). As the Word of God renewed their faith in Jesus, the Eucharist aided them to recognize Jesus. What is our own experience whenever we come to Mass?
The second reading reminds us that ‘fear’ or circumspection must characterize the Christian life. This is because “ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways you inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish” (1Peter 1:18-19). The fact that he laid down his life for us places a moral obligation on us to live dignified lives.
May God give us a fresh understanding of his Word and the Eucharist we celebrate every day. What a privilege it was for them to listen to Jesus expound the Word and broke bread with them. But privilege always brings responsibility; they were to be witnesses of all that Jesus had said and done and they were to do it in urgently. A witness is somebody who sincerely tells what he had seen and heard. We too are sent out to witness to Christ in his Word and in the breaking of the bread. This takes place at the end of the Mass when the Priest says “Go in the peace of Christ the Mass is ended”. This is what the Church has faithfully done in the celebration of the Mass over the years.
HOMILY FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A Acts 2:14, 22-33/ Psalm 16/ 1 Peter 1:17-21/ Luke 24:13-35
People are often puzzled by the various modes of Christ’s presence. Today, the liturgy reminds us that Christ is both present in his Word and in the breaking of bread. Thus both Word and Sacrament are integral part of a single coming of the risen Christ to his people and to every Christian Assembly.
In the first reading, Peter having been filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost gave four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ namely that Jesus was a human being (vv. 22-24); the prophecy of David(vv. 25-31); the witness of the believers(v.33); the presence of the Holy Spirit(vv.33-35). These evidences show that the Resurrection of Jesus is a reality.
In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we again, see how Jesus reveals himself to us not only through his Word but also through the breaking of bread. Emmaus was a small village eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. The two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus were discouraged disciples who had no reason to be discouraged. They had heard of the reports of the women that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel but their hopes had been shattered.
“Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). This explains why Jesus opened the Word to these two men as the three of them walked to Emmaus. Their real problem was not in their heads but in their hearts. They could have discussed the subject for days without arriving at a satisfactory answer. What they needed was a fresh understanding of the Word of God and Jesus gave that understanding to them when “He said to them, “How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared… then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures” (Luke 24:25-27). He opened the scriptures and then opened their eyes and they realised that Jesus was not only alive but right there with them.
Their basic problem was that they did not believe all that the prophets had written about the Messiah. That was the problem with most of the Jews in that day: they saw the Messiah as a conquering Redeemer, but did not see him as the Suffering Servant. As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not the suffering, the crown but not the cross.
When Jesus explained the Scripture to them, I am sure that they began getting understanding but “As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly saying “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over. So he went in to stay with them” (Luke 24:28-29). They had been won over by the Word of God even though they did not know who Jesus was. All they knew was that their hearts were ‘burning’ within them and they wanted the blessing to last. We are told that they virtually forced him to stay with them.
The more we receive the Word of God, the more we will want to fellowship with the God of the Word. Having mere bible knowledge can lead to just an intellectual understanding of Jesus but receiving the truth and walking with the saviour will lead to a burning heart. They now experienced Jesus personally and this is what made the difference in their lives.
The best evidence that we have understood the Word of God and met the living Christ is that we have something to share with others. For “That same hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying “The Lord has indeed risen and he has appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34). What a difference it will make in our Churches if everybody will witness to the Resurrected Christ personally every time we hear the Word of God.
As if the Word of God was not enough for them to bear witness to Christ. They also recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. “Then they told what has happened on the road and how he has been made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35). As the Word of God renewed their faith in Jesus, the Eucharist aided them to recognize Jesus. What is our own experience whenever we come to Mass?
The second reading reminds us that ‘fear’ or circumspection must characterize the Christian life. This is because “ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways you inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish” (1Peter 1:18-19). The fact that he laid down his life for us places a moral obligation on us to live dignified lives.
May God give us a fresh understanding of his Word and the Eucharist we celebrate every day. What a privilege it was for them to listen to Jesus expound the Word and broke bread with them. But privilege always brings responsibility; they were to be witnesses of all that Jesus had said and done and they were to do it in urgently. A witness is somebody who sincerely tells what he had seen and heard. We too are sent out to witness to Christ in his Word and in the breaking of the bread. This takes place at the end of the Mass when the Priest says “Go in the peace of Christ the Mass is ended”. This is what the Church has faithfully done in the celebration of the Mass over the years.
In the first reading, Peter having been filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost gave four proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ namely that Jesus was a human being (vv. 22-24); the prophecy of David(vv. 25-31); the witness of the believers(v.33); the presence of the Holy Spirit(vv.33-35). These evidences show that the Resurrection of Jesus is a reality.
In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we again, see how Jesus reveals himself to us not only through his Word but also through the breaking of bread. Emmaus was a small village eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. The two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus were discouraged disciples who had no reason to be discouraged. They had heard of the reports of the women that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel but their hopes had been shattered.
“Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). This explains why Jesus opened the Word to these two men as the three of them walked to Emmaus. Their real problem was not in their heads but in their hearts. They could have discussed the subject for days without arriving at a satisfactory answer. What they needed was a fresh understanding of the Word of God and Jesus gave that understanding to them when “He said to them, “How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared… then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures” (Luke 24:25-27). He opened the scriptures and then opened their eyes and they realised that Jesus was not only alive but right there with them.
Their basic problem was that they did not believe all that the prophets had written about the Messiah. That was the problem with most of the Jews in that day: they saw the Messiah as a conquering Redeemer, but did not see him as the Suffering Servant. As they read the Old Testament, they saw the glory but not the suffering, the crown but not the cross.
When Jesus explained the Scripture to them, I am sure that they began getting understanding but “As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly saying “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over. So he went in to stay with them” (Luke 24:28-29). They had been won over by the Word of God even though they did not know who Jesus was. All they knew was that their hearts were ‘burning’ within them and they wanted the blessing to last. We are told that they virtually forced him to stay with them.
The more we receive the Word of God, the more we will want to fellowship with the God of the Word. Having mere bible knowledge can lead to just an intellectual understanding of Jesus but receiving the truth and walking with the saviour will lead to a burning heart. They now experienced Jesus personally and this is what made the difference in their lives.
The best evidence that we have understood the Word of God and met the living Christ is that we have something to share with others. For “That same hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying “The Lord has indeed risen and he has appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34). What a difference it will make in our Churches if everybody will witness to the Resurrected Christ personally every time we hear the Word of God.
As if the Word of God was not enough for them to bear witness to Christ. They also recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread. “Then they told what has happened on the road and how he has been made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35). As the Word of God renewed their faith in Jesus, the Eucharist aided them to recognize Jesus. What is our own experience whenever we come to Mass?
The second reading reminds us that ‘fear’ or circumspection must characterize the Christian life. This is because “ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways you inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish” (1Peter 1:18-19). The fact that he laid down his life for us places a moral obligation on us to live dignified lives.
May God give us a fresh understanding of his Word and the Eucharist we celebrate every day. What a privilege it was for them to listen to Jesus expound the Word and broke bread with them. But privilege always brings responsibility; they were to be witnesses of all that Jesus had said and done and they were to do it in urgently. A witness is somebody who sincerely tells what he had seen and heard. We too are sent out to witness to Christ in his Word and in the breaking of the bread. This takes place at the end of the Mass when the Priest says “Go in the peace of Christ the Mass is ended”. This is what the Church has faithfully done in the celebration of the Mass over the years.
HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY), YEAR A Acts 2:42-47/ Psalm 118/ 1 Peter 1:3-9/ John 20:19-31
THEME: Easter is a community celebration.
Last week Sunday, I told you that the resurrection of Jesus does not end his earthly ministry but opens up for us a new dimension to his ministry namely a continuation of his work. Thus, the readings from the Acts of the Apostles take the place of the Old Testament readings during the Easter season in each of the cycles A, B, and C. such readings are appropriate because they show the continued work of the risen Christ in his Church.
One of the outcomes of the Resurrection is the formation of a community of believers. This is to reiterate the fact that the Easter events are not an individual affair but a community one. Therefore, no one can be an effective Christian in isolation. The Early Church did more than make converts; they also made disciples. A disciple is one who sits at the feet of his master to learn. Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday, a day set aside by Pope John Paul II of blessed memory to reflect the mercy of God. Let us, therefore, drink deep from this fountain of mercy at our disposal.
In the first reading, Luke presents us with the features of the new community of believers constituted as a consequence of the resurrection. Having preached repentance and forgiveness of sins, about three thousand persons were added to the apostolic community. This new community “Devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). Today, as a community of believers, can we say that we are devoted to the teachings of the apostles; to fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers? These things form the basis of any Christian community. Therefore, if we cannot find them in our community, then our communities are non-existent; they have no root. The Church’s prayer is, therefore, founded on apostolic faith; authenticated by charity; nourished in the Eucharist.
Furthermore, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45). I must emphasise that the kind of fellowship (in Greek Koinonia) that existed among the Early Church means more than “Being together.” It means “having in common” and probably refers to sharing of material goods. This was not a form of modern communism, for the programme was totally voluntary, temporary and motivated by love.
Moreover, “Day by day as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts praising God and having the good will of all people” (Acts 2:46-47). We are told that they not only met in the temple, but in their homes. This brings out clearly the need for the Basic Christian Communities (BCC). Our homes must truly reflect what Vatican II calls the Domestic Church where the Word of God is shared; faith matters are discussed and above all where food is shared.
The Gospel reading brings out clearly the beginnings of the Early Church. After Jesus’ death, they locked themselves up for fear of the Jews. For what they were doing, we are not told. But at least, they recognize that in unity lies their strength. They were together. It was in the togetherness that the greatest thing happened to them, “Jesus came and stood among them and said “Peace be with you” (John 20:19b). The kind of peace Jesus gave his disciples is a peace that renewed their faith in the person of Jesus and drove away all fears, useless worries and anxieties.
Again, it was when they were together that they received the great commission. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. When he has said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:21-23). This is where the Church received the power to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The power to forgive sins was not given to an individual but to the Church. Thus those who are questioning the authenticity of this sacrament must assess their intentions and avail themselves for it.
Why was Thomas not with the other disciples? Was he disappointed that the resurrection was a fiasco? When we are discouraged, and defeated, we need our friends all the more. Solitude only feeds discouragement and helps it to grow into self-pity, which is even worse. Thomas is a good warning to all of us not miss meeting together as a community of believers (Hebrews 10:25). Because Thomas was not there when Jesus came, he missed seeing Jesus Christ, hearing His words of peace and receiving His commission and gift of spiritual life. He had to endure a week of fear and unbelief when he could have been experiencing joy and peace! Remember Thomas when you are tempted to stay home from Church. You never know what special blessing you might miss!
For the Christian every Sunday is the Day of the Resurrection or the Day of the Lord and the like. We cannot afford to miss the meeting of the assembly. Just as the Early Church did in the past, in the celebration of the Mass we devote ourselves to apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Doubt no more, because as John puts it “… But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that through believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Let us not have an unbelieving heart that turns us away from the Lord (Hebrews 3:12).
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus wishes to bear with our doubts, our betrayals and our sign of faithlessness just as he did with the disciples. He invites us to drink deep into the fountain of mercy which his resurrection brings us.
In conclusion, the Christians you meet in the book of Acts of the Apostles were not content to meet once a week for “services as usual.” They met daily (Acts 2:46), cared daily (Acts 6:1), won souls daily (Acts 2:47), searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) and increased in number daily (Acts 2:47). Their faith was a day to day reality, not a once-a-week routine. Why? Because the risen Christ was a living reality to them and his resurrection power was at work in their lives through the Spirit. The promise is still good: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Have you called? Have you trusted Jesus Christ to save you?
Last week Sunday, I told you that the resurrection of Jesus does not end his earthly ministry but opens up for us a new dimension to his ministry namely a continuation of his work. Thus, the readings from the Acts of the Apostles take the place of the Old Testament readings during the Easter season in each of the cycles A, B, and C. such readings are appropriate because they show the continued work of the risen Christ in his Church.
One of the outcomes of the Resurrection is the formation of a community of believers. This is to reiterate the fact that the Easter events are not an individual affair but a community one. Therefore, no one can be an effective Christian in isolation. The Early Church did more than make converts; they also made disciples. A disciple is one who sits at the feet of his master to learn. Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday, a day set aside by Pope John Paul II of blessed memory to reflect the mercy of God. Let us, therefore, drink deep from this fountain of mercy at our disposal.
In the first reading, Luke presents us with the features of the new community of believers constituted as a consequence of the resurrection. Having preached repentance and forgiveness of sins, about three thousand persons were added to the apostolic community. This new community “Devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). Today, as a community of believers, can we say that we are devoted to the teachings of the apostles; to fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers? These things form the basis of any Christian community. Therefore, if we cannot find them in our community, then our communities are non-existent; they have no root. The Church’s prayer is, therefore, founded on apostolic faith; authenticated by charity; nourished in the Eucharist.
Furthermore, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45). I must emphasise that the kind of fellowship (in Greek Koinonia) that existed among the Early Church means more than “Being together.” It means “having in common” and probably refers to sharing of material goods. This was not a form of modern communism, for the programme was totally voluntary, temporary and motivated by love.
Moreover, “Day by day as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts praising God and having the good will of all people” (Acts 2:46-47). We are told that they not only met in the temple, but in their homes. This brings out clearly the need for the Basic Christian Communities (BCC). Our homes must truly reflect what Vatican II calls the Domestic Church where the Word of God is shared; faith matters are discussed and above all where food is shared.
The Gospel reading brings out clearly the beginnings of the Early Church. After Jesus’ death, they locked themselves up for fear of the Jews. For what they were doing, we are not told. But at least, they recognize that in unity lies their strength. They were together. It was in the togetherness that the greatest thing happened to them, “Jesus came and stood among them and said “Peace be with you” (John 20:19b). The kind of peace Jesus gave his disciples is a peace that renewed their faith in the person of Jesus and drove away all fears, useless worries and anxieties.
Again, it was when they were together that they received the great commission. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. When he has said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:21-23). This is where the Church received the power to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The power to forgive sins was not given to an individual but to the Church. Thus those who are questioning the authenticity of this sacrament must assess their intentions and avail themselves for it.
Why was Thomas not with the other disciples? Was he disappointed that the resurrection was a fiasco? When we are discouraged, and defeated, we need our friends all the more. Solitude only feeds discouragement and helps it to grow into self-pity, which is even worse. Thomas is a good warning to all of us not miss meeting together as a community of believers (Hebrews 10:25). Because Thomas was not there when Jesus came, he missed seeing Jesus Christ, hearing His words of peace and receiving His commission and gift of spiritual life. He had to endure a week of fear and unbelief when he could have been experiencing joy and peace! Remember Thomas when you are tempted to stay home from Church. You never know what special blessing you might miss!
For the Christian every Sunday is the Day of the Resurrection or the Day of the Lord and the like. We cannot afford to miss the meeting of the assembly. Just as the Early Church did in the past, in the celebration of the Mass we devote ourselves to apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Doubt no more, because as John puts it “… But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that through believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Let us not have an unbelieving heart that turns us away from the Lord (Hebrews 3:12).
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus wishes to bear with our doubts, our betrayals and our sign of faithlessness just as he did with the disciples. He invites us to drink deep into the fountain of mercy which his resurrection brings us.
In conclusion, the Christians you meet in the book of Acts of the Apostles were not content to meet once a week for “services as usual.” They met daily (Acts 2:46), cared daily (Acts 6:1), won souls daily (Acts 2:47), searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) and increased in number daily (Acts 2:47). Their faith was a day to day reality, not a once-a-week routine. Why? Because the risen Christ was a living reality to them and his resurrection power was at work in their lives through the Spirit. The promise is still good: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Have you called? Have you trusted Jesus Christ to save you?
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