Daily homily for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Theme: COURAGE DURING PERSECUTION
By: FR GERALD M. MUSA
Homily for Friday April 1 2022
Nothing gives a person so much self-confidence than knowing his identity, having a clear mission, and trusting in God. Jesus confidently declared, “I know Him (God the Father), because I am from Him, and He sent me” (John 7:29). Despite the hate, hostility, and plot to eliminate Him, Jesus continued to preach publicly and could not be silenced by his detractors. The life of Jesus fits well into the description of the righteous man who became a victim of attacks by ungodly people in the book of Wisdom. Those who plotted to kill the righteous man had no cogent reasons except that his life contradicted their dark lives and just because he opposed their wrongdoings. Anyone who stands to be different from the crowd must be ready to go through some kind of persecution. It takes courage to stand alone and be firm in what is right, just, and true; it takes even greater courage to withstand all kinds of persecutions which include calumny, false accusation, and opposition. Jesus says, “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men reproach you and persecute you and, speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for MY sake. Rejoice and exult for your reward is great in heaven” (Mt 5:10-12). How courageous are we in hostile situations and moments of persecution?
WISDOM 2:1A, 12-22; JOHN 7:1-2,10O, 25-30 Friday, 4th Week Of Lent