Homily for May 30, 2017.
Both our first reading and
Gospel passage this morning are set in a rather sad tone of departure. Paul is
departing the region of Asia after spending some time planting the Gospel there
and Jesus is praying saying that “I am no more in the world… and I am coming to
you.”
As the saying goes, whatever
has a beginning must also have an end. The departure of Paul and Jesus reminds
us of the fact that we shall also bid farewell to this very world one day.
Nothing is as painful as
reaching your departure time only to realize that you forgot certain vital and
important things. That is why preparing for a journey is more important than
the journey itself.
Since this world is not our
own, how do we properly prepare ourselves for the world beyond? By living in a
manner that brings glory to God. “This is eternal life; that they know you the
one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3.
What does it mean to Know
God? Is it by getting a Ph.D in theology? Far from it! Knowing a person is different
from gathering facts about the person, arguing if those facts are correct or
finding out what scholars have said about him.
Knowing a person is being
able to step into that person’s world. It is having a relationship with that
person. We need an encounter with God; a life changing encounter such as that
which Paul had on his way to Damascus.
To know God is to reach a
point that you can say with St. Paul, “To be alive is meaningless if my life
does not give glory to God.” You would know if you have encountered God if you
stop pursuing material and perishable things such as money, prestige, latest
cars, houses, power etc. but consider all of such as secondary, not important.
Let us
pray: Lord Jesus, may the Holy Spirit find in me a welcome guest. Amen.
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 7th week of
Easter. Bible Study: Acts 20:17-27 and John 17:1-11).*
Fr. Abu.
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