HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: JOY OF OBEDIENCE
BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY MAY 19 2022
In this age as in ages past, so many of us frantically search for happiness, but happiness eludes us when we tune to the wrong stations and when our minds are loaded with too many misconceptions about happiness. Happiness theories, strategies and a host of books on positive psychology abound but many of these self-help ideas are not so helpful. Jesus offers a rare and deep secret about where and how to find true happiness (joy). He says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love…that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10-11). In a nutshell, Jesus says joy can be found in forming a habit of
obedience to God and doing his will. The word ‘obedience’ is unpopular in the world today, because obedience is wrongly perceived as some kind of slavery or obstacle to happiness. On the contrary, obedience to God’s will can set us free from the multiple distractions that chain us. The most joyful, successful, peaceful, and faithful people in biblical stories and history were those who obeyed God and surrendered their freedom to him. Therefore, obedience and happiness are neither strange bed fellows nor mutually exclusive. According to Pope Francis “Total obedience to God’s will brings wisdom, joy and hope.” Do we strive to remain in God’s love and joy through obedience to his will?
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 15:7-21 Thursday, 5th Week of Easter
