Homily for April 9, 2017.
Today is one of those days where we
all join the priest in the reading of the Gospel passage. We do this not simply
because the Gospel passage is long but so that we all can participate actively
and be part of what is happening.
In fact, if we take our time to
reflect on the words we have just uttered, we would observe that the homily for
today is contained in the Pasion narrative. Hence, my aim here is not to repeat
the narrative but to help guide our reflection.
One word that readily comes to mind at
the beginning of the Passion Narrative is Betrayal. What does it mean to be
betrayed – sold away by a trusted friend; by a person who shares the same plate
with you?
Have I betrayed people’s trust, told
lies against them or leaked out certain secret information for the sake of money,
fame, position or some privileges? Have I acted like Peter; bragging before
people only to let them down in their absence?
Jesus took the disciples to the
Garden of Gethsemane to pray but instead, they started sleeping. How deep and
serious is my prayer life? Am I able to watch for one hour with Jesus every day?
Do I command God to do my will in prayer instead of simply praying as Jesus
prayed: “Let your will, not mine be done.”
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a
symbol of love. Do I pretend to love people whereas I am killing them? Am I a
friend by day and an enemy at night?
Jesus told Peter not to fight with
his sword. How do I treat my enemies? Eventually the disciples fled for their lives.
Do I stick with my friends when things become rough or abandon them when it
seems I can no longer benefit from them?
The Sanhedrin judged Jesus and
convicted him of blasphemy. As an authority figure, how do I judge cases? Do I give
a listening ear to the accused or simply follow the crowd in passing sentence?
How do I react when I meet a mob action?
Both Peter and Judas realized their sins
but while Peter came back to ask forgiveness, Judas went off to hang himself. Do
I feel that my sins are too much or that God cannot forgive me? What I have
done about my guilty conscience?
Before the Governor, Jesus was silent.
When I am accused of something I am innocent of, do I rush too quickly to
defend myself?
The Governor asked the people to
choose between Barabbas and Jesus but they rejected Jesus forgetting all the
good things they had received from him in the past. To this day, the people of
the world prefer evil to good. Do I also reject Jesus by consenting to sin?
Then comes Simon of Cyrene who was
forced to carry the Cross with Jesus. How often have I helped others to carry
their crosses? Am of the belief that I am to mind my business forgetting that
it is part of my business as a Christian to love others as myself?
Many joined in mocking Jesus. Do I respect
God and holy things? Do I insult God when I don’t answers to my prayers or see
instant miracles? Jesus cried: “My God, my God why have you forsaken me.” Even
God could forsake Jesus, who am I to assume I will always get what I want?
Even after the death of Jesus, the
chief priests and Pharisees knowing fully well that Jesus had predicted his resurrection
gathered before Pilate to ask for soldiers to guard the tomb. Do I believe more
in military power than in the power of God?
Dear friends, at the end of my reflection,
one thing that has struck me is that if the death of Jesus had happened in this
very time, I might not act differently from the crowd, the disciples or the
chief priests.
If you were around back then, what
would you do differently? Whatever be your answer, go and live by it. Each time
we sin, we crucify Jesus, let his Holy Week be another reminder and opportunity
for us to repent, to love God more and to sacrifice ourselves for the good of
others as Jesus did.
Isaiah prophesised about Christ how
he would not speak or attack those who would crucify him. To really prove this
prophesy right, Christ did just that, he humbled himself like a sheep being led
to slaughter. As St. Paul tells the Philippians, let this Humility of Christ
who forgot he was God inspire us to avoid bragging, feeling big or talking down
on others who are not as privileged as we are.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, as I reflect on your death, help me also die to
my sins. Amen.
Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live
Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Palm Sunday.
Year A. Bible Study: Matthew 21:1-11,
Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66).
Fr. Abu.
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