HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER (2)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: ASK IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

BY: Fr. Karabari Paul

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY MAY 28 2022

‘If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name’ (John 16:23).

Names often have meanings. In African culture a name given to a child could reveal the circumstances around that child’s birth. In Ogoni culture of recent generations, almost all the names given to individuals carry God (Bari) either as prefix or suffix. This is also the case in Igboland. This has revealed the deep understanding of the people of God’s presence in all their affairs.

Throughout the Bible, we are told what people’s names mean and why they are called those names. And it is the same with the names of God. Each name has a meaning and can reveal a different aspect of His character.

In the Old Testament era, names also carried the authority of whoever they referred to, and could reveal more about their persons. The ‘name of the LORD’, in particular, has a big, important history. Going back to the Jerusalem temple, the High Priest would carry the name of God to the people, which is a whole lot more literal than it sounds. They wore a gold plate on their forehead that had the holy name of the Lord on it. Wearing that was the mark that they were carrying the presence of God with them, as they ministered His love to them.

This wasn’t just a shiny plate; the symbol was a sign of the powerful truth of God’s presence. And, (check 1 Peter 2:9… ) we ‘Christians’ are now made into those name-carrying High Priests. We now have, and do, the same privileged job – carrying His presence into our world.

In today’s Gospel (John 16:23-28), Jesus encourages us to make our request to God in His own name and be assured that we shall receive what we have asked for.

The name of Jesus is a seal in the presence of the Father. It is the only and most powerful signature any request can carry. All the realms, both physical and spiritual are compelled to honour it. It is the name above all names. It is only in this name that salvation for humanity must be preached.

Jesus says in this passage that the request must be His name so that our joy may be full. Because the name of Jesus carries the fulness of blessing, it is capable of producing the fulness of joy. This is an uncommon guarantee. And it can only come from God. Ask in the name of Jesus. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God heal our country Nigeria, bless and protect us all through Christ Our Lord Amen. Please, stay safe. Good morning

Fr. Karabari Paul