HOMILY OF THE 5TH FRIDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY OF THE 5TH FRIDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “ALL THOSE WHO USED TO BE MY FRIENDS , NOW WATCH FOR MY DOWNFALL.”
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
Jeremiah 20:10-13, Psalm 17:2-7, John 10:31-42
Today is the last Friday before Good Friday within the Holy Week. The tension for Jesus’ “Hour of Glory” (Passion and Death) is rising strongly, and the religious leaders are setting traps so as to arrest Jesus.
In the first reading (Jer 20: 10-13), the Prophet Jeremiah like Jesus, senses the tension increasing between himself and those whom he is challenging to hear God’s Word; worst of it all, those who were his friends. “All those who used to be my friends, now watch for my downfall.” Jeremiah cries out to God for help.
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In the gospel (John 10: 31-42), relying on the law of Moses: “He who blasphames the name of the Lord shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him” (Lev. 24:16) – they picked up stones to kill Jesus, claiming He is blaspheming. Jesus asked them for which of the good works He did are they stoning Him, for none, they said, but for claiming to be the Son of God.
Dear friends, Jesus challenged His opponents to accept His works if they could not accept His words. It is possible to argue with and about words, but deeds are beyond argument. Our actions speak louder than our voices. Does my action correspond with my words? Remember, when we deny Jesus by our deeds, we in some way seem to lay violent hands on Him and to crucify Jesus anew (cf. CCC 598).
I pray that as we journey in life today, we will stand firm like Jeremiah and Jesus without compromising our Christian life even in the face of rejection and hurt. With the Psalmist, may we, in our anguish, constantly call on the Lord who will surely hear our voice (Ps. 18: 7). May our actions in reaching out to one another speak volume of our Christian faith. Have a courage-full day!
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