Homily for April 20, 2017.
As Luke tells us, when the two
disciples who were on their way to Emmaus the previous day came back to the
other disciples to tell their story, Jesus himself appeared in their midst. This
time, they all recognized Jesus but there was a problem – they didn’t believe!
Jesus could read through their minds,
he could see the state of their troubled hearts and the many questions that
popped up in their heads. Basically, they were philosophising – trying to make
sense of Jesus’ presence with doubt heavy on their minds.
Philosophers ask questions, like
scientists, they demand proofs, there is always a “what if” proposition and even
when they see proofs – signs and wonders, they still question their validity,
coherence and veracity. They don’t make assumptions and they follow things up to
their logical conclusion. Philosophers are thinkers, their minds are never at rest
and at times, they find it hard to believe in God.
Jesus must have been disappointed
with their reception but anyway, he proceeded to show them proofs, he asked
them to touch his hands and feet, to let them know they were not dreaming, he
even asked for something to eat in their presence to let them know he wasn’t some
ghost. This is Jesus, fully flesh and blood.
Jesus did not stop there, he
proceeded to teach them the scriptures. Just like he did to the two disciples
on the road, Jesus gave them a sound unforgettable Bible Study Session thereby
causing them to drop their questionings and develop Faith instead.
I like the saying that life is more
than logic. This is what plays out here. The more we try to philosophise
everything, the less we believe in God. The key question in the minds of the
disciples was: “If Jesus was truly God, why did he have to suffer and allow
ordinary human beings humiliate him so much to the point of death?”
And truly this is the same question
on our minds today: “Since I am a Christian, why do I still have to suffer and
struggle to meet my needs?” Only Faith can answer this question and Faith says IT
WAS NECESSARY THAT CHRIST HAD TO SUFFER. There was just no other way else.
Yes, God is the ruler of the world
and the owner of all that exists but I still have to suffer. Faith makes me
continue to believe in God’s omnipotence despite my lack and this faith comes
by my study of Scriptures.
Philosophizing about my circumstances
will not help at all, it will only lead to doubt because there is no logical
connection between my circumstances and a God who is supposed to be all knowing,
all loving and all powerful.
When things become rough for you, when
doubt arises in your heart and you are depressed, don’t just sit down there
worrying, troubling your heart or asking questions whose answers you will never
get, take up the Bible and start reading. Ask Jesus to do for you what he did
for the disciples upon appearing to them.
When Peter and John healed a lame
man, a crowd gathered with many probably philosophising about that had just
happened. Of course, as you expect while some would believe, others would doubt.
Nevertheless, it became an occasion for Peter to preach about Jesus and once
again, the Scriptures were his source material.
In both circumstances, we can see how
the Scriptures are so important. No wonder on great Saint said: “Ignorance of the
Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” We cannot say we are children of God if we don’t
read the Bible every day. And we cannot make sense of our lives and things that
happen to us every day without the Bible.
Stop philosophising (worrying), and
start reading the bible!
Let us
Pray: Lord Jesus, help me understand you better every day. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Easter Thursday. Bible Study: Acts 3:11-26 and Luke 24:35-48).
Fr. Abu.
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