Catholic homily for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Theme: The joy of the gospel
By: Fr. Francis Onwnali
Homily for Wednesday April 21 2021
“The Joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept His offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew” ( Evangelii Gaudium, 1).
These words that began the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis- The Joy of the Gospel, depict the exact situation in the first reading (Acts 8: 1-8). With the persecution of the Church in Jerusalem after the death of Stephen, the Gospel message came to be preached in the Gentile territory. As a result of the transformation brought by encountering Jesus- miracles of healing and liberation- “there was great rejoicing in that town”.
Jesus is re-echoing this same message in the gospel reading (John 6: 35-40). Jesus, the Bread of Life is doing the Will of the Father- “not to lose anyone that comes to Him”. He is condemned already he who knows and refuses to accept the salvation that Christ gives. Are you ready to submit to Christ and His redemptive power?
Dear friends, encountering Jesus transforms our lives, the hungry are fed; the sick, healed; the downtrodden, uplifted; the sorrowful are gilded with joy. Like the Christians of the early Church, we are faced with myriads of challenges, but no situation is greater than God’s mercy, who in Christ, the Bread of Life, lifts us up. Am I truly open and ready for this transformative encounter? Can I truly price Jesus above every other thing in my life?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will cry out with joy to the Lord and sing to the glory of His name, acknowledging the tremendous nature of His presence in our lives (Ps. 66). Whatever situation you face today, may it be turned into joy and praise. Have a joy-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwnali