Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Holy Week (16th April, 2019) on the Gospel
Is 49:1-6;
Ps 70:1-6.15.17 (R. v. 15);
Jn 13:21-33.36-38.
Topic: Most deadly disease.
One of the things Jesus repeated a number of times is the
role one of His apostles would play in His death. In today’s gospel He also
said, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The reaction of His
disciples and especially the question asked by John led Jesus into being more
direct. He replied “‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I
have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave
it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.”
However, despite all these Judas did not move an inch. What
could have been his problem? The gospel describes him as a thief, cf. Jn 12:6. Money according to the book of
Ecclesiastes “answers everything” (Eccl
10:19). Yet “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; nor he
who loves wealth, with gain: this also is vanity” (Eccl 5:10). Through the prophet Isaiah God invites us to come to
Him and be satisfied at no cost. cf. Is
55:1. He worries why we spend our energy in useless things, cf. Is 55:2.
The Word of God is preached today more than ever. And the
central message of every gospel that deserves the name is “... repent, and
believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15; cf. Mk
1:4). Yet we find it difficult to accept the gospel especially when it
touches the area we consider sacred like the Pharisees, cf. Lk 16:1-14.
Hardening of the heart kills more than any other deadly
disease. Judas among others suffered this. Dear friends, let us harden our
hearts no longer but repent and believe the gospel (cf. Ps 95:8). The money Judas pursued to the extent of betraying Jesus was
worthless for him, cf. Matt 27:3-5.
What do you think you will gain from whatever prevents you from accepting the
gospel?
Bible Reading: Is 55:1-13.
Thought for today: Nothing is better than God.
Let us pray: Lord, give us your grace to keep all
your commandments – Amen.
You are free to share this reflection with
others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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