3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF EASTER HOMILY — YEAR C
3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF EASTER HOMILY — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: FOLLOW ME!
BY: Fr. Casmir Nkamuke
Acts 5:27-32.40-41, Rev 5:11-14, John 21:1-19
In the liturgy of today, we are invited to follow our Lord Jesus Christ, the sacrificial lamb enthroned in heaven.
In the first reading, the apostles remind the Jewish leaders, who cautioned them against preaching in Christ´s name, that the only instruction worth obeying is the instruction that aligns with God´s instruction. As God´s children and his witnesses, we too are commanded to place the obedience of God ahead of the obedience of men. We must resolve to make sure that our activities in the society bear witness to our resolve to following God and not contradict it.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: 3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF EASTER HOMILY
The second reading shows us why our Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of our praise and our companion. He is the lamb that was sacrificed for our redemption. Being worthy of all honour and praise, we join the host of heaven in giving him praises, doing so by following his example and doing his will.
The gospel records John´s account of Jesus´ last apparition. Here, Jesus´ appears to his followers and restores their lost joy and confidence. The major beneficiary of this restoration is Peter who had denied him thrice. On three occasions, Peter is made to reassure Jesus that he loves him. Afterwards, Peter is instructed to take care of Christ´s flock and reminded that such task will earn him persecution in the society. Finally, Jesus invites all to follow him.
Beloved in the Lord, the name “Christian” means a follower of Christians. Our lives as Christians thus finds meaning in our resolve to follow Christ. This resolve inspires in us to give priority to doing God´s will and aligning our own will to his. Just as Christ instructs Peter, he also instructs us to take care of our fellow humans and our environments, whether they be the weak and neglected of the society as illustrated by the lamb, or the powerful and fervent as illustrated by the sheep.
When we resolve to prioritise obedience to God in our lives, we may attract caution, hatred, oppression and even persecution to ourselves. People will hate us for not aligning to certain societal standards that contradict the divine standards. At such moments however, we must remind ourselves that we are followers of Christ. As his followers, therefore, we must count it as an honour to suffer shame and humiliation for the sake of his name and persevere in our resolve to follow him in spite of all trials and tribulations that we face because of such resolve.
May God give us the grace to always persevere in our resolve to follow him, especially at moments when such resolve attracts us persecution. May we always express our love for him and our desire to follow him by taking care of our fellow human and our environment, especially the oppressed and the neglected in the society. May our lives always be one of thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus Christ, the sacrificial lamb, who is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.
Happy Easter!
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>
Dear friends in Christ, We have been sustained by your Charity for the past 11years. Here we are saddled with annual bills. Please, be kind to us with your donation. Click on the “Donate” button to get started. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
