Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week of Easter (24th April, 2021) on the Gospel
Acts 9:31-42;
Ps 115:12-17 (R. v. 12);
Jn 6:60-69.
Topic: It is always better.
When Jesus’ disciples heard yesterday’s gospel (Jn 6:52-59) they said: “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus explained, “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” The gospel further reads, “Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.”
Imagine what a pastor (priests inclusive) will do if he/she
finds him/herself between telling the people the truth that will cost him/her good
part of the congregation and retaining all or even gaining more if he/she lies?
Think also of what parents, business men/women, civil servants, politicians,
and so on will do if one finds him/herself in a similar condition. But “Jesus
asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’” And to this Peter replied,
“Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to
believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
It is always better to tell people the truth. Surely,
sometimes it might cost something. However Jesus never mutilated the truth for
any reason. Building on lies is tantamount to building on the sand, cf. Lk 6:46-49. Imagine what the twelve
that remained turned into.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Lying can never be preaching
the gospel of Christ. Whoever is lying for whatever reason in the name of
preaching can only best preach the devil, who “is a liar and the father of lies”
(Jn 8:44) and never Christ. The
people ought to look for Jesus Christ who is the truth and not for His ministers.
As a result, no one has reason to lie in the name of preaching. Only the truth will
set us free, cf. Jn 8:32.
Bible Reading: 1Cor 3:1-23.
Thought for today: God knows those who are His, cf. 2Tim
2:19.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to realise like the twelve
that you have the words of eternal life – Amen.
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