Homily
for October 21, 2017.
“And I tell
you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will
acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will
be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9.
Yesterday,
Jesus talked about secrets saying that we should never deceive ourselves thinking
that anything would remain hidden forever. Those things we assume are not known
by others will someday be exposed and if we would not like the outcome, we must
ensure that we avoid anything that is bad from the onset.
Today, Jesus
goes a little further in this matter. He said we should live our lives in such
a manner that we constantly acknowledge God. That is to say, we should be
practical Christians, we shouldn’t be Sunday-Sunday church goers. Our
Christianity should not end with our names and surnames. It must be real. It must
be the very air we breathe.
How do I acknowledge
God before others? Now, let’s say I go to a party and I am hanging out with my
friends, we begin to talk about the old times and about life in general. One of
us is so funny, he cracks very funny jokes as we enjoy the sweet food and
drinks on the table.
Suddenly, our
conversation begins to shift towards immoral issues and it seems each of us is
boasting about things which ordinarily are sinful. We soon start talking about
women in a way that no woman would even like and each comment, there is an
outburst of laughter – it is like we are enjoying ourselves; having a good time.
At this point
in time, does it occur to me to acknowledge God? Do I just keep quiet and flow
with the conversation? Do I realize God has just given me a test of faith? An
opportunity to preach to my friends even though I am not a priest or sister? Do
I realize that by flowing with their useless talk, I now share in their sins
even though I may not be partaking in the things they are boasting about since
my laughter solidifies their determination to even do more?
What does it
mean to acknowledge God before others? It is deliberately standing for God and
not just with the crowd. Does my dressing proclaim God? When I go half-naked
like our popular musicians or artists, does it acknowledge God? When I get into
an argument on the street with a stranger who has just bashed my car, does my
reaction proclaim God? When I find myself in a position of authority or power
and money is put under my care, do I help myself with it or acknowledge God
with my sincerity?
One might ask
me, “Father, does it even pay to acknowledge God in our age and time today?”
This is a wrong question because we don’t serve God for earthly reward. We
serve God because there is just no better way to be alive.
Yes, we may
not get everything life has to offer by acknowledging God everyday but like
Abraham who “hoped against hope” and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,
we must hope for the best by living truly Christ-centered life.
Someone once
said: CHRISTIANS ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DISCOMFORT THAN ABOUT THEIR DISOBEDIENCE.
This is very true, we are too concerned about the luxuries of life and we don’t
give a damn about sin. We just want God to bless and provide for us but we don’t
care how often we offend him.
Today is
Saturday. Acknowledge God today!
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, help me to choose you above the world. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 28th Week in
Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:13-18
and Luke 12:8-12).
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