FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: FEAR NO ONE

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JULY 9 2022

Many believers face persecution in their homes, workplaces, and schools because of their religious beliefs. Religious persecution comes in different ways, especially through structural injustice and violent attacks. Structural injustice consists of policies of a government that covertly or overtly favour one religion of job over the other. This form of injustice is displayed through discrimination in the method employment, promotion in workplaces, admission into schools and departments, denial of places of worship, political marginalization, and formulation of lopsided policies. Persecution by violent attacks comes also in different forms such as destruction of places of worship, vandalisation, and confiscation of religious institutions, sacking of villages, abduction of children, and kidnapping of adults. Jesus emboldened his disciples to be fearless: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). Those who seek to kill the body, destroy the externals, such as buildings and property, but they cannot destroy the soul that gave rise to these external structures which is the faith deep within. Here are words of assurance from the scriptures: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Are we deeply convinced that God is on our side even in fearful moments?

MATTHEW 10:26-33