HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER, YEAR B
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER, YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: DIVINE PROJECT
BY: Fr. Karabari Paul
“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
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In our reflection today (Acts 5:34-42), we see the wise counsel of Gamaliel for the Jewish council. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, has three different classes, from two different sects. The chief priests and elders are generally Sadducees. The scribes are either Sadducees or Pharisees.
Sadducees are already predisposed against the apostles because followers of Christ teach that God raised Jesus from the dead. The Sadducees don’t believe resurrection from the dead is possible: they hold to the ancient equivalent of annihilationism. In their view, if and when God restores and blesses Israel, only those alive at the time will reap the rewards. Until then, Sadducees are happy to make the best life they could, accumulating influence and money now.
The Pharisees, however, believe in the resurrection from the dead. Although Pharisees are a minority in the Sanhedrin, one of the most respected scribes in Israel of any sect is the Pharisee Gamaliel. In fact, one commentary on the Talmud says, “When Rabban Gamaliel the elder died, the glory of the law ceased and purity and abstinence died.” When Paul gives his defence and wants to emphasize the depth of his Jewish knowledge, he mentions he studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
Thus, Gamaliel can afford to be a little calmer, more objective and show evenness about the situation, despite Peter’s claims that Jesus is the Leader and Saviour of the Jews and sits at God’s right hand (Acts 5:31).
Gamaliel tells the council to reconsider its desire to have the apostles executed and to let them go. If their movement is of purely human origin, it will fail, said Gamaliel. But if it came from a divine source, he said, “You will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Gamaliel refers to two Jewish revolutionaries; Theudas and Judas, who were killed by the Romans, and their followers scattered.
Indirectly, Gamaliel acknowledges that God’s project can’t be aborted by human efforts. He recognises one of the eternal fact that defiles history; nobody can stop God. This affirmation holds true in every situation. And God’s projects are human and spiritual. You also are God’s project. You may not have been conscious of who you are and that irrevocable truth about the Divine project. It is timely for whatever situation you face. I remind you again; you are God’s project. You shall never fail nor fade. Hold unto this this in faith. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. God bless you and yours through Christ, our Lord Amen. Good morning.
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