HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF EASTER OCTAVE.
THEME: THE TRANSFORMED PETER.
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
On this sixth day of Easter Octave, we encounter a transformed Peter who is inspired and enthusiastic to stand up for Jesus. On the day of Jesus’ death, Peter denied Him three times, but today, Peter is standing up for Christ and His Gospel message.
In our first reading (Acts 4: 1-12), after receiving the Holy Spirit, however, Peter became a new person. He fearlessly obeyed the Lord even to being thrown into prison because of proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection. At his trial before “Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly class” (Acts 4:6), Peter defied the religious leaders. He proclaimed that “Jesus is ‘the Stone rejected by you the builders which has become the Cornerstone’ ” (Acts 4:11). The Holy Spirit transformed Peter into a powerful evangelist and the fearless leader of the newborn Church.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR EASTER FRIDAY.
In the gospel (John 21: 1-14), Jesus again appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias as they have gone fishing. Haven caught nothing all through the night, but with the presence and instruction of Jesus, they were able to make a huge catch. Jesus eats with them, and they recognize Jesus as He breaks bread with them.
Dear friends, in the Acts of the Apostles, Peter is different. He is in-spired (filled with the Holy Spirit) and enthusiastic (in God- *en* *theos)*. Peter now has a new understanding of his role in living out the call that Jesus gives him. As a child of God configured to Christ Jesus through Baptism, sealed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and nourished with the Bread of life, how inspired and enthusiastic am I for Christ? Do I still believe that Jesus’ words – “Do not be afraid for I have overcome the world” – will come to pass even as we face difficult challenges in our world today?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will stand up for Jesus even if rejected. In the Name of Jesus, may our faith become the cornerstone on which our lives rest. May we continue to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Have an inspired and enthusiastic-full day!
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