HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK (2)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

HOMILY THEME: THIS HOLY WEEK; REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERYONE CLOSE TO YOU IS FRIENDS WITH YOU.

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

HOMILY THEME: THIS HOLY WEEK; REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERYONE CLOSE TO YOU IS FRIENDS WITH YOU.

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

 

HOMILY: READINGS: ISAIAH 49:1-6, PSALM 71, JOHN 13:21-33.36-38

That God formed us for a purpose and knew us before we were born (Isa. 49:1. Jer. 1:5) is a truism. That he’d want us to be his servants, like Christ was hence glorify him always is also indubitable. More so, that God alone is our judge and recompense too cannot be overemphasized. Whenever we are weak and downcast, when the going gets rough and unpleasant; also, when the world treats us unkindly and shamefully, and should our body want to fail us on our spiritual voyage this Holy Season, may the words of Isaiah 49:5b be our consolation: “I AM HONOURED IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD AND MY GOD IS NOW MY STRENGTH”. God was Jesus’ strength when his friend and companion, Judas failed him; indeed it was God who saw him through the pain and anguish of betrayal. May he do same for us today and always, amen.

Let us quickly examine the JUDAS’ PROBLEM from our Gospel reading, John 13:21-33.36-38. I’d beseech us to help meditate on these unanswered questions running through my mind. Firstly, why did Christ choose Judas as an apostle and further as his treasurer, even when he knew his end? Moreover, how come Judas never learnt from Christ who though rich, according to Paul became poor for our sake (2Cor.8:9); why did he (Judas) choose riches hence falling prey to satan? 1Timothy 6:9 says that those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap…which plunge them into ruin and destruction. That’s not all, Judas was called by the Lord himself (Matthew 10:4), saw the many signs and wonders he worked. He was Christ’s treasurer (Jn. 13:29) and alongside the other apostles cast out devils from others (Mk. 6:7); yet he betrayed Christ! Why? After enjoying full communion with the Lord, he allowed satan to possess him and consequently, had a dreadful end – hanged himself (Matt. 27:5).

WHAT WE CAN MAKE OF THE JUDAS’ PROBLEM: In the FIRST place, Christ calls all of us to communion with him, what we make of it is up to us. SECONDLY, we can’t claim full knowledge of all around us; like Judas, people can camouflage. Pray that your friend is not your betrayer. THIRDLY, insatiable and unhealthy love and quest for wealth can make us susceptible to the pranks of satan. We may do well to be careful as we strive to make ends meet here on earth. Also, in the FOURTH place, we may be nearest to Christ (bodily), yet satan may have his way through us, we may take care never to be complacent.

Besides, WE MAY BE APOSTLES LEADING OTHERS TO HEAVEN BUT OURSELVES SETTLING FOR HADES – DON’T BE MISSIONARY SIGN POSTS! And consequently, if we are not careful, even as Christians, our end could be dreadful like Judas’. The onus thus is on us to strive to lead worthy lives, lives that would lead us to full communion with our Lord come Easter. I pray we are not possessed by satan on whatever front but journey with Christ through to heaven, amen.

FEED AND EDUCATE ONE POOR THIS LENT

 

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