HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER (1)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: Gamaliel’s Wise Counsel

BY: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY APRIL 29 2022

Gamaliel was a distinguished member of the Sanhedrin , a doctor of Jewish law . He spoke in favour of the Apostles who were persecuted by Jewish authorities for preaching the good news . He offered a wise counsel , saying , ” So in the present case , I tell you , keep away from these men and let them alone ; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin , it will fail ; but if it is of God , you will not be able to overthrow them – in that case , you may even be found fighting against God ! ” ( Acts of the Apostles 5 : 38-39 ) . Gamaliel cited examples of Theudas and Judas of Galilee who began popular movements that did not stand the test of time . Their followers were scattered and the movements came to an end . Any movement that lacks divine foundation fizzles out over time . The counsel of Gamaliel teaches us prudence , patience , and tolerance towards popular movements and organisations . We live in a world where radicalization , extremism , and intolerance are on the increase . The world will be more peaceful when we learn to accept and accommodate our differences and live in mutual and harmonious co – existence . No religion or ideology should use hate , violence , and discrimination as instruments of conversion . Do we exercise patience with people who belong to different religion ethnic groups , races , cultures , political parties , or who have different convictions , ideologies , and opinions ?

Acts of the Apostles 5 : 34-42 ; John 6 : 1-15 ; Friday , 2nd Week of Easter .