HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER (1)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: Giving Warm Reception

BY: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY MAY 12 2022

Jesus translated love into action by washing the feet of his disciples. He went further to teach his disciples the importance of hospitality when he said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives anyone whom I send receives me” John 13:20). Jesus comes to us daily, in different forms and in unusual ways. He comes to us through the people he sends to us. The people he sends could be pastoral agents, people we do not expect, such as a person living with poverty, a child, a refugee or anyone in need. Today, we have become too conscious of what many call ‘stranger danger,’ making it difficult to welcome people who look different and who do not share the same religion, race, region, or ethnicity with us. No doubt, we live in a dangerous world with ravenous people appearing to us in sheep clothing. Nevertheless, there are still genuine people who come to us and Jesus wants us to welcome rather than dispel or drive away. Jesus wishes to come to others through us and to come to us through others.We need to develop a welcoming habit as individuals and as a Church. A welcoming Church makes all classes of people, including strangers feel at home. How warm and welcoming are we as individual and how hospitable are we in our faith communities?

Acts of the Apostles 13:13-25; John 13:16-20; Thursday, 4th Week of Easter