YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT (2)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT

HOMILY THEME: Repent from Jealousy and Start Exploring Your God-given Potentials

BY: Fr. Evaristus Abu

HOMILY: “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild beast has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:19-20)

The parable of the householder who planted a vineyard teaches us a lesson; that God expects us to be fruitful. He knows what we are made of. If the householder had not planted rich seeds, he would not send people to ask for the fruits. God demands our fruits because he knows we have all it takes to deliver.

You are created to excel. You have talents, you have gifts, you are a bundle of potentials. Regardless of whatever anyone may have said to you in the past, just bear this one truth in mind; you have the seed of God within you, you are capable of much more than you think.

As much as God has so endowed you with gifts, know that there would always be people who would do everything to try to stop you from shining like Joseph’s brothers. What offence did Joseph commit against his brothers to warrant such hatred? Nothing, other than the fact that Joseph discovered his potentials early on in life.

The brothers of Joseph made a costly mistake; one that we often make ourselves. Instead of looking inwards to explore the rich deposits God has put in us, we start to envy others for their natural gifts as if to say they are any better than us.

Let’s reason together, comparing yourself with others is a crime against humanity. This is because we are all unique creatures. No two persons are born with the same amount of gifts and abilities. It is just like a razor blade comparing itself with an axe. Yes, both of them can cut things but while the razor is designed to cut hair, for instance, the axe is designed to cut trees.

Why do I become sad when I see people excelling in life? Am I a razor feeling sad for my inability to cut trees or an axe wishing I could shave beards? Do I even realize it is wrong for me to think that I am less privileged or unfortunate in life just because I am not able to do things that others are doing? Hating others for their gifts is just a sign of failure on our part to discover ours.

As much as I cannot deny my jealousy towards others, I must bear in mind that there are so many others who are secretly praying for my death or for something bad to happen to me so that they can feel good about themselves; so that they can have something to talk about and laugh.

Again, bear in mind that the hatred of others CANNOT stop you from actualizing your full potentials so long as you remain positive and take advantage of every stumbling block. At times, when people think they are going to put an end to your dreams, they do not realize they are indirectly helping you get there.

My dear, whatever be the case, don’t forget you are divinely created by God, never forget your potentials can never die. Just keep shining; keep bearing fruits; keep moving. If you cannot fly, then run, if you cannot run, then walk, if you cannot walk, crawl. If they throw a stone at you, turn it into a brick and build a house with it. If they throw hot water on you, use it to boil your food and eat.

Never give up on you! Be Fruitful! (Genesis 1:22).

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, when you come to collect my fruits, may I never be found wanting. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent. Bible Study: Genesis 37:3-28, Psalm 105 and Matthew 21:33-46)