HOMILY OF 7TH FRIDAY OF THE EASTER — YEAR A
HOMILY OF 7TH FRIDAY OF THE EASTER — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: THE SHEEP OF CHRIST
BY: Fr. Paul Karabari
Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19
“Feed my lambs, tend my sheep.”
Peter’s faith took a bit of a fall as Jesus approached His death. He denied that he knew Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. But after the resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a chance to make up for his mistake. In the Gospel passage of today (John 21:15-19), Jesus asked him three times whether he loved Him.
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Significantly, Jesus didn’t ask, “Simon, son of John, do you know me?” Because that won’t be unreasonable question since Peter had said, “I do not know the man” (Mt.26:74). Instead, Jesus focused on that which should define the affairs of both men and the Kingdom; love. When Peter said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” you would expect Jesus to say, “I love you too.” But Jesus appointed him to show greater love for that which He has purchased with His blood; to feed His lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep.
Love is the healing medicine. Peter had denied His Master three times. Jesus healed the broken bond by drawing out a three-fold declaration of love from him and entrusted to him a greater responsibility that demanded tenderly love. We must strive to make sure that our love for God exceeds our mistakes.
And then Peter did become one of the early instigators of the church. God used Peter despite his mistakes. And when we make a mistake, God doesn’t give up on us either. He gives us another opportunity to get things right. Every new day is an opportunity to live better than yesterday. God will still use us, call us, and equip us for the kingdom. Our mistakes don’t mean God discounts us if we don’t allow them to define us; if we live above them. We are still whom He says we are, and we can still do what He has asked us to do.
Greater blessings should move us deeper in love with Jesus. God’s favour towards us should propel us into higher responsibility of love towards Christ and His Kingdom. Love must be practical and shown in commitment.
When you are self-absorbed and focused on your own interests, it is easy to overlook people in need and show no concern. But when you commit your life to Christ and decide to follow in His footsteps, that changes.
The heart of Jesus was moved by people who were ‘weary’. The stresses of life had worn them down, and the burdens they carried were heavy. He was also moved by people who seemed ‘scattered’. People with no direction, no focus, no purpose for living. How many of these people were there? ‘Multitudes.’
The lambs and sheep of Christ are everywhere. You We all have the same responsibility as Peter. You are being called to show compassion towards those around you who are weary and scattered and to take every opportunity to bring them to Jesus. When you are suddenly moved by a need you have walked past many times before, God is telling you to get involved and do something about it.GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God bless you and your household always through Christ, our Lord Amen. Good morning
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