SUNDAY HOMILY: 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER HOMILY (YEAR A)
SUNDAY HOMILY: 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER HOMILY (YEAR A)
HOMILY THEME: MAN IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU
HOMILY: READINGS: ACTS 8:5-8.14-17, PSALM 66, 1PETER 3:15-18, JOHN 14:15-21
That we need guidance and direction in everything we do is a statement of fact. That we are for the most part, not fully aware of the mysteries of God and the dynamics of the world is also a truism. Also, that we live in a debased, immoral, perverse, corrupt and evil world; yet are expected to lead holy, blameless and exemplary lives is indubitable. For the Christian therefore, thriving in a turbulent and free-for-all society where commandments are looked at as oppressive and suppressive, regulations and laws as burdensome and restrictive; he/she has a definite need of the Holy Spirit, the promised counsellor. However, there is a requisite we must imbibe for us to have this Counsellor – love of Christ and fidelity to his commandments.
It was James Otis who once opinionated; “The people’s safety is the law of God’ and supporting this, Thomas Wilson posited; “The commandments of God are all designed to make us happier than we can possibly be without them.” My beloved friends, we hear Jesus say categorically that when we love him and keep his commandments, he’ll ask the Father to send us another Counsellor, the Spirit of Truth who’ll be with us forever (Jn.14:16-17). By our fidelity to God’s law, the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, Paraclete and Counsellor will be given us; with the Spirit of God in us, our safety will be sure and our happiness guaranteed. More so, He’ll give us the required strength to face those who abuse and revile us thereby making us suffer unjustly (1Pet.3:16-17).
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Dearly beloved in Christ, according to the apostle of love, John, there is only one test of love – obedience. Out of obedience to God’s will, Jesus demonstrated his supreme love for Him; same obedience to the Father was what precipitated the greatest show of love the world has ever known – Jesus’ self sacrifice for sinful humanity. We too, can only show our love for Jesus when we obey his command. This obedient love is or should be pragmatic. Jesus should see us working for him by leading good and holy lives even when we are slandered, abused and made to suffer like St. Peter says in the second reading. Christ should see us witnessing to him wherever we find ourselves like Philip did in Samaria today.
Moreover, dear friends, when we have and keep Jesus’ law hence love him, we have a twofold advantage: God loves us eternally, and Jesus not only loves us, he manifests himself in us. Meaning our lives become worthy of acclaim both here on earth and in heaven. We have a further advantage too, we are assured of always being informed in the way of truth, for the Spirit of truth will be given to us. We may do well to imbibe obedient love today not just for God alone but for our fellow man.
Husbands and wives who profess ‘lip-love’ to themselves but through their inconsiderateness, irritability and thoughtless unkindness bring nothing but pain to one another are called to love like Christ loved God and humanity. Children and young people who say they love their parents yet cause them grief and anxiety; leaders who profess their love and commitment to their followers yet inflict hardship, tyranny and dictatorial rule and misery on them are exhorted to start loving like Christ did and still does. All those who profess their love in words but who, at the same time bring pain and heartbreak to those whom they claim to love are called to change.
We pray today therefore, for a docile heart towards God’s law. We pray too that God in turn blesses us with the Holy Spirit to direct our journey of life, heal his creation and cleanse it of COVID-19. We pray that we love one another as Christ loved God and man, then our world would be a haven desired by all. Amen.
FEED THE HUNGRY POOR AROUND YOU.
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