DAILY HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER (1)

DAILY HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: MANNER OF APPROACH

BY: Fr. Gerald M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY MAY 25 2022

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners….” says an anonymous writer. A major source of interpersonal and group conflict is the way we perceive, talk and treat other people whose beliefs are different from ours. Paul the Apostle demonstrated good manners, respect, and politeness toward the Athenians who worshipped many objects. Without judging or condemning them, he said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription, To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts of the Apostles 17:22-23). Paul’s speech is a practical example of interreligious understanding and mutual respect. He resisted the temptation of talking down on the Athenians and was reasonable and kind in his choice of words. God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Nevertheless, as preachers and evangelizers we are called to be courteous in speech and respectful in bringing people to the knowledge of the truth. Conversion is not by compulsion but by persuasion, and appeal. Do we respect or disrespect people whose method of worship and understanding of God is different from ours?

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7:15, 22-18:1; JOHN 16:12-15 Wednesday, 6th Week of Easter