Homily (Reflection) for Third Sunday of
Easter, (A) (30th April, 2017) on the Gospel
Acts 2:14.22-33;
Ps. 15:1-2.5.7-11
(R. v. 11);1Pt 1:17-21;
Lk 24:13-35.
One day as one boy was travelling with his mother a man
preached in the bus. During the preaching, he advised them to worship in a Bible Believing Church. The boy asked
the preacher if there is any church that does not believe in the bible. He
cited the Catholic Church as an example. In this homily, we shall reflect on a
topic that might have bothered many based on the gospel.
Topic: What Christians ought to Do.
Today’s gospel can be divided into
different parts. These parts include what bothered the disciples on their way
to Emmaus, Jesus’ teaching (explanation), and the breaking of bread.
As the disciples, Cleopas and his colleague, were on their way to
Emmaus, they were discussing the recent happenings in Jerusalem:
The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a
prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief
priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel …. (Lk 24:19-21).
These weighed them down as they moved along. Jesus joined them and
explained all these to them using the scriptures beginning with Moses and all
the prophets, cf. Lk 24:27. It is
important to note here that the Moses and all the prophets Jesus used to teach
the disciple was the bible.
Just like these disciples, we gather together with our burdens. In
the celebration of the Mass, the congregation is given the opportunity to
present to God at various stages what they come with – sorrows, joys,
disappointments and so on. Readings from the bible are read and an ordained
minister representing Jesus Christ helps the congregation (children of God)
understand what bothers them based on the readings and supported with other
biblical passages. This normally takes either the form of homily or sermon. The
ordained minister is expected to bring the word of God to the level the people
can understand. Just like Jesus made the disciples understand what happened,
the homily helps the people look at their burdens with the light of the gospel.
General intercessions and offerings conclude this part. Note that the offerings
are meant for both the maintenance of the minsters and for the good of the
poor, cf. 1Cor 9:13; Rom 15:26; Gal 2:10.
Today however it is disheartening that many men and women of God see the
offerings as something meant for them alone. Hence, the unhealthy competition with
politicians and business men and women in material things – private jets among
others. Some have even forgot that they are to preach the Word of God, cf. 1Cor 14:19; Col 3:16; Tit 2:1, 3. We
must remember that the judgement of the ministers (teachers) will be very
strict, cf. Jas 3:1.
Furthermore, we read that when Jesus was talking to the disciples
although their hearts were burning within them, their eyes were closed from
recognizing Jesus, cf. Lk 24:16, 32.
They remained in that state of blindness until Jesus “… took bread, blessed and
broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized
him ….” (Lk 24:30-31). The words
Jesus spoke to them prepared them for the breaking of the bread (Holy
Eucharist). When we gather today, we must remember that we ought to break the word
and the bread also. This is because, if the disciples remained blind until
Jesus broke the bread, what do you think that happen when people gather, share
the Word, collect offerings and tithes and disperse without breaking the bread?
Again, Christ commanded us to break the bread and share the cup,
cf. Lk 22:19, 1Cor 11:24-25. Paul
did not mince words, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a
participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a
participation in the body of Christ?” (1Cor
10:16). For him, “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you
proclaim the Lord's death until he comes” (1Cor
11:26). And going through the bible, it is clear that this command was
understood and upheld right from the time of the apostles. We read about the
early Christians: “… they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, cf. Acts 2:46; 20:7,
11; 27:35). If Christ had given us this command and the apostles and those
after them upheld it, where did things go wrong? Why do we disregard it today?
Or is it better to obey men instead of God, cf. Acts 5:29?
One day after a Nuptial (wedding) Mass one man came up to me and
other ministers and queried why he was not allowed to receive the Holy
Communion despite the fact that he is a Christian. In the gospel we read: “Do
not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest
they trample them under foot and turn to attack you” (Matt 7:6). Partaking in the Holy Eucharist symbolize that although many
we are one body, cf. 1Cor 10:17.
Saint Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians warns:
Whoever … eats the bread or drinks the cup of
the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the
Lord … all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink
judgement against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and
some have died (1Cor 11:27, 29-30).
It is better viewed as an act of love for one to be asked not to
receive. Think about this.
Today’s gospel is the demonstration of the Eucharistic celebration
by our Lord Himself and that is what Christians ought to do. Remember, it is a
command, cf. Lk 22:19; 1Cor 11:24.25.
Bible Reading: Acts 2:37-42; Lk 22:14-20; Jn 6:22-71; 1Cor
10:1-22; 1Cor 11: 17-22; 23-26; 27-30.
Thought for today:
Do this in remembrance of me (Lk 22:19,
cf. 1Cor 11:24-25).
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give us the grace
to know the truth and the courage to follow it even if it is against our wants
and likes – Amen.
You are
free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.
For more
homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313
To
Contact and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905 655 4466
May God bless you all+
