Homily
for October 20, 2017.
“Nothing is
covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ... I
tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have
no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after
he has killed, has power to cast into hell; Yes, I tell you, fear him! Luke 12:1-5.
Do these
phrases sound familiar? “Hey, relax, don’t you trust me again?” “I swear, I this
is just between us, okay.” “For your eyes only!” Do you notice how words like
this often lead us to sin?
The story is
often told of a certain holy man who was tempted to sin by a loose woman. She did
everything she could to persuade him so one day he agreed to her bidding and
just when she was about to undress, he told her: “No. Not here, follow me, I will
let you know when I am ready.”
The lady
filled with excitement followed him eagerly as he walked from street to street
each time repeating, “Is it okay here?” and he would say, “No, let’s keep
walking.” Eventually, they got to a very busy market with thousands of people
walking up and down pushing, shoving and shouting at each other. Then all of a
sudden, he stopped and said to her: “Oya, girl, go ahead, now I am ready to do
it!”
She was so embarrassed
that she turned immediately and ran away. That was the last time she ever set
her eyes on this man.
The thing I don’t
understand is, why is it easy for me to exercise restraint and self-control
when I know others are watching me yet when I am alone, or when no one else is
watching, I become weak and fall easily? The answer is FEAR. I am afraid of people,
of what they think about me or of what they would say but I am not so afraid of
God. What a pity!
The key to
avoiding secret sins is deepening our fear of God; consciously reminding
ourselves that God is the only one that deserves our fear since he can not only
kill the body but has power to cast us into hell fire. No wonder the bible
says: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Sirach 1:14 & 20.
Live in a
manner that when your deepest secrets are one day exposed to light, the world
itself will be inspired at their contents. Remember, it is not about what
people think, do not try to please people (hypocrisy), live by your conscience,
always strive to please God at all times whether in secret or in public.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, free me from evil and take away any skeleton in my cupboard. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 28th Week in
Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:1-8
and Luke 12:1-7).
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