HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER (3)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: DEALING WITH FEAR AND INTIMIDATION

BY: Fr. karabari Paul

HOMILY FOR THURSDAYAPRIL 28 2022

‘We must obey God rather than men’.

In Acts 5:27-33, we are told that the Jewish officers brought the apostles before the council and the High Priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name…” And the once timid Peter and others answered, “We must obey God rather than men”. It is clearly confirmed that despite the warning, they apostles were so committed that they had filled Jerusalem with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The authorities expected them to stop spreading the message. However, the apostles only recognised the authority of God in this matter.

When we are following God, we can sometimes face opposition and intimidation. People might come against us because they don’t understand our beliefs. Or they are simply against us. If we are feeling intimidated right now, we can learn from the apostles. When they felt threatened by the religious authorities of their day, they did three things: 1) They brought God into the picture. ‘Now, Lord, consider their threats’ (Acts 4:29). We need to talk to God about our situation. God should be the first person we discuss it with, not the last. Prayer is the door through which He enters our situation, so let us make sure we invite Him in. 2) They prayed for greater faith. ‘Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness’ (v.29). It’s unrealistic to think all our questions will be answered and all our fears will disappear. Faith and fear will always be at work in our lives. To be an overcomer, we must learn to starve our fear and feed our faith on God’s Word (have a read of Romans 10:17). 3) They expected God to intervene. They prayed: ‘Stretch out your hand’ (Acts 4:30). They knew God would hear them and expected Him to answer. The result was the courage they had to face threats. Jesus is available any time we call. He always hears us, and will answer – although not always in the way we expect Him to.

Obedience to God must come first before obedience to man. It must be very clear. The Bible tells us that fear is a ‘spirit’. This spirit has a mind that thinks and a voice that speaks, and if you allow it to – it will control you. Today if you are battling a ‘spirit of fear’, make this your prayer: ‘Lord, Your Word says when I seek Your face, You’ll hear me and deliver me from all my fears (see Psalm 34:4). So I cast down every anxious thought that rises up against what I know about You and Your power (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). I stand on the promise that You will never leave nor forsake me (see Hebrews 13:5). I rest in the truth that nothing is too hard for You (see Jeremiah 32:17). I rejoice in the assurance that You have already given Your angels responsibility for keeping and protecting me in all my ways (see Psalm 91:11). I resist the spirit of fear, and command it to flee in Jesus’ name (see James 4:7). By faith I decree that Your peace, which passes human understanding, will guard my heart and mind (see Philippians 4:7). Therefore, I will not let my heart be troubled or afraid (see John 14:27). through Christ Our Lord Amen.’ GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. Almighty God have mercy on us and heal our world, bless and protect us through Christ Our Lord Amen. Good morning

Fr. karabari Paul