I belong to Jesus’ Family; I Cannot Hide.

Homily for September 25, 2017


Nothing gives as much joy to us humans as having a sense of belonging. This is why we value our family ties. Family is a place where we are always welcome, a place where we are perfectly understood, a place where we can rest our head knowing that we are never alone. That is why we long to be home every day and when work takes us far away, we long with nostalgia to be home again.

Jesus, today makes us understand that apart from our physical family, there is another family we belong to by virtue of our HEARING and ACTING on the WORD of God. As he says to us, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8, 21.

Our deepest motivation for keeping God’s commandment should be the understanding that we are part of this beautiful family of Jesus. This accounts for the feeling of restlessness we encounter each time we commit a sin. Our greatest source of happiness as Christians is knowing that we are at peace with God and our conscience is clear whenever we come before his presence. No wonder the Psalmist sings: “I rejoice when I heard them say, let us go to God’s house.”

The church is more than a mere building. It is our home. We should go to church to relax. As Jesus says to us in Matthew 11, 28 to 29, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Whenever you feel burdened and troubled, please go home to church. Talk to Jesus, your brother, ask Mary your mother, consult with the saints, they are your family. Never make the mistake of going to a beer parlour, never try to seek solace in sinful relationships, internet, television, worldly music or destructive media, such things never get you relaxed but only increase your sorrow and multiply your pain in the long run. Like the case of the Prodigal son, such things are pig-food at their very best.

If your brother is the Governor of a state, your manner of movement and public behaviour, and even what you say becomes somewhat restricted. You don’t talk anyhow lest you start making headlines. So it is with this special family where Jesus is our brother and God is our father.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to appreciate my identity as a member of your family and live accordingly finding rest only in you. Amen.

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ezra 6:7-20 and Luke 8:19-21)

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