THE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY. (Homily for May 26, 2016. Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time.)


Bible Study:  1 Peter 2, 2 to 12 and Mark 10, 46 to 52.


There is a great quote from Joan Borysenko which goes thus: “This is not a telephone-answering machine, but a questioning machine. Who are you, and what do you want? If you think these are trivial questions, be aware that most people come into this world and leave it without answering either one!”

Have you ever been asked; “Who are you?” I guess you must have probably responded with a wrong answer such as your name, your job title, the language you speak or where you were born. The truth, my dear friends is that providing an honest answer to this question requires a deep reflection about your true identity and not just the names attached to your life. And until you truly come to terms with who you really are, your life would just be devoid of meaning.

Today, St. Peter offers us some clues about our true identity in our first reading.

NEWBORN INFANTS. St. Peter says we are like newborn infants. This points to exactly what Jesus says that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. As infants, St. Peter says, we should long for pure spiritual milk which is the word of God of which Jesus says, man shall not live on bread alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of God.

LIVING STONES. We are living stones built into a spiritual house. Just as the stones of a building are connected, we Christians must realise we are one body, one house.

A CHOSEN RACE. We are different, we make up a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart, called out of darkness to proclaim God’s marvellous light. Jesus himself said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” Matthew 5, 14 to 15.

What makes us light? St. Peter answers: “Abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul. Maintain good conduct so that the Gentiles may see your good deeds and glorify God.” However there is difference between being a light and being an actor. A light never stops shining no matter where it is kept. An actor only shines on stage or before a camera.

Once we know who we are, once the question of our identity is settled, we are then able to know what we want. A lot of people today do not know what they truly want in life because they don’t know who they are. They live a television life; that is, whatever they see advertised on television, they want it and go for it, whatever becomes popular, be it the latest gadgets, the latest hairstyle, even if it is indecent fashion, they develop a desire for it and want it at all costs. They end up acquiring too many things that they do not need only to begin to feel buyer’s remorse.

Until you know who you are, you will never know what you want. If a light bulb does not know what it is, it will ask you for water but the moment you are able to make the light bulb understand its true identity, it’s only want would be electricity.

In the Gospel passage, we come across a man who knew who he was and so knew clearly what he wanted. Even though he was a beggar, he knew it was not money he wanted but his sight. He knew that without his sight he wasn’t complete as a person so when he heard about Jesus, he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He shouted so loud that people even took offence and wanted him to keep quiet but he refused. And eventually, he got his audience with Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Master, let me receive my sight.” What a simple prayer. Dear friend, Jesus is asking you that same question at this mass right now. It is up to you to answer with a simple prayer and ensure that what you are asking for is in line with who you are, who you were created to be.

Today we celebrate St. Philip Neri. He contributed greatly to the Council of Trent which saw the reformation of the Church in the middle ages. As priest, he practiced such an outstanding spirituality.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, may I never lose consciousness of my true identity and may my firm be firm when I pray. Amen.


Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. 

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