3RD THURSDAY HOMILY OF EASTER — YEAR A
3RD THURSDAY HOMILY OF EASTER — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: WINNING FOR CHRIST
BY: Fr. Paul Karabari
Acts 8:26-40, Ps. 66:8-9,16-17,20, John 6:44-51
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news of Jesus.”
In the First Reading of today (Acts 8:26-40), we read the story of a high-profile leader who was won to Christ. He was an Ethiopian Eunuch and a minister in charge of the Queen’s treasury. The Ethiopians were looked upon as the meanest and most despicable of the nations, blackmoors, as if nature had stigmatised them; yet the gospel found them worthy because divine grace found them beautiful. The man was a person of quality, a great man in his own country. But the road he took to Jerusalem was not only a desert, his soul was also a desert without God. Life had placed him high among men, but he lacked a place among the saints. He was restlessly searching for God, and grace was sent after him. A man of high profile being led to Christ by a low-profile person called Philip, a church deacon. We all need God.
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Let us look at how it happened and see what we can learn: 1) Philip was ready to follow divine directions without prejudice. When this man needed someone to explain the gospel to him, Philip was ready to do it without harbouring the age long prejudice against Ethiopians. We can achieve great things for God if we learn to accept all without being judgemental. Could you have done that? When God has a job that needs to be done, can He call on you? Will you be prepared? And willing? ‘If anybody asks you why you believe as you do…tell him’ (1 Peter 3:15).
2) Philip was wise. He didn’t barge in and start preaching or put this man on the spot by asking irrelevant questions. Note two things about Philip: a) He was led by God’s spirit (Acts 8:29). b) He recognised the right moment (see v. 35). The problem with most of us is that we act on our personal impulses. Instead of God leading us, we lead Him and even command Him on what to do. So many of us tend to use God rather than God using us. Good soul-winners are sensitive and strategic.
3) Philip was clear. Instead of a vague dialogue about religion, he spoke directly about Jesus. That is what people need; a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! They need to know He is alive and that He loves them. That He is powerful enough to run the universe, yet personal enough to forgive their sins, break their habits, and resolve their doubts. Your job is to extend the invitation and let Jesus do the rest. Try this one. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. God bless you and your household always through Christ our Lord Amen. Good morning.
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