HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER (2)

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY MAY 10 2022

“How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10: 24).

The above statement is the demand of the Jews on Jesus in today’s gospel (John 10: 22-30), hoping to clarify and satisfy their curiosity in the midst of confusion on the true identity of Jesus. In the midst of their expectation of the Messiah, Jesus’ use of parables and images pointing to Himself as the Messiah deepens their confusion. This same scenario is playing out in the lives of so many as we await God’s intervention in the crises and challenges facing us now. Is God silent on our situation? Does it mean our prayers and supplications mean nothing to God? By all means, NO! As Sheep in the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, Jesus admonishes that we keep the ears of our hearts open to hear His voice even in the midst of our present situation. Jesus is ever at work! God can make good out of any strife or turbulence. “Be still and know that I am God”. (Ps 46: 10)

In the first reading (Acts 11: 19-26), the persecution that befell the early Christians after Stephen’s death worked not against them, but became a blessing as the gospel of salvation was extended to the Gentiles outside of Jewish territories.

Dear friends, “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain” (Anonymous). What good can we draw from the challenging and frustrating situations in our world today? Like the apostle, we need to learn to live our lives in the midst of these crises, patiently working in charity for the good of everyone. We can reach out to bring hope to souls in despair and share the little we have, bringing upliftment to the downtrodden.

I pray as we journey in life today, we remain firm in Jesus’ assurance that we will never be lost as we keep listening to His voice, and nothing can steal us away from the Father Who is greater than anyone and anything (John 10: 25-30). May we focus more on the good that God is doing in our lives as God leads us to pasture and out from the valley of the shadow of death. Have a trust-full day!

Fr. Francis Onwunali