(Homily for March 10, 2017).
Many of us Christians started well as kids, we once aspired to
be Saints, we knew the Christian life was all about self-denial and we agreed
to pick up our crosses to follow Jesus, we were content with being different
from the rest of the world and we were proud of our identity. We even smiled
when others persecuted us or insulted us for being saintly. But today, the
story is different; a lot of us have lost our innocence, we have given up on
ourselves and on our desire to be different. We have reduced our cross to the
size of a broom stick, we now want to be just like everyone else and we have
lost the sense of sin – so long as other people are doing it, it is okay by us.
Today, God is speaking to us through the prophet Ezekiel. He
says since we have stopped being righteous, God will no longer remember our
holy deeds in the past, instead he would treat us according to our evil ways. However,
should we decide today to repent, go back and pick up our complete cross once
again, God will accept us like the thief who at the last hour said to Jesus,
“Remember me in your kingdom.”
Dear friends, it may look foolish to continue in the path of
goodness but today, God is telling us “DON’T STOP, DO NOT GIVE UP.” Perhaps,
you are tired of being insulted for being a good person or you do not seem to
be rewarded for your sacrifices. God is telling you today, “My friend, do not
give up!” Do not repent from righteousness!
In fact, God wants you to do more, he wants your righteousness
to be greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees. It is not enough that you
do not kill your neighbour, you shouldn’t even be found exchanging words at all!
Jesus is saying we should never insult anyone regardless of the provocation;
that we should never keep malice or carry bitterness in our heart; that we shouldn’t
even come to church when we know someone is quarrelling with us and we are yet
to settle. Is this easy to do? Not at all! That is why it is a cross. And we
must carry it without grumbling that one day, this cross will bring us to our
eternal reward.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, may I never look back after having decided to
follow you. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the First week of Lent. Bible
Study: Ezekiel 18:21-28 and Mathew 5:20-26).
Fr. Abu.
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