HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF 7TH WEEK OF EASTER.
THEME: In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: Jesus has conquered the world.’
BY: Rev Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA.
SAINT OF THE DAY: Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 19:1-8
Psalm 67:2-7
John 16:29-33
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
WHITE
*INTRODUCTION*
Good morning dear brothers and sisters, today we celebrate Monday of the 7th Week of Easter Period, Year A. At the same time, today we commemorate the Memorial of St Rita of Cascia.
*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
I have always been struck by the reply of some disciples in Ephesus to Paul’s question, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ With great honesty they said, ‘No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit’. Paul went on to give them further instruction, and then, laying his hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit. Their answer to Paul’s question speaks for many in our world today, perhaps even for many who have been baptized, ‘We were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit’. Those disciples in Ephesus needed instruction in the faith on this very important matter of the Holy Spirit. We all need instruction in the faith. We all have a journey to travel when it comes to understanding our faith and living out faith.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF 7TH WEEK OF EASTER.
*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
In the gospel reading Jesus promises his disciples the gift of peace. He says, ‘I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me’. Yet, it is clear that this peace does not mean the absence of trouble, because, having promised the disciples the gift of his peace, Jesus immediately goes on to say, ‘in the world you will have trouble’. Jesus is alluding there to the struggle they will often have in trying to remain faithful to him, the hostility they will experience as they bear witness to him by their lives.
*CONCLUSION*
Jesus is reminding all of us that we cannot take our faith for granted. It will be put to the test and we too will be tempted to go our own way rather than the way of Jesus. Yet, Jesus also reassures his disciples and all of us that he is stronger than the forces which will put our faith to the test, ‘I have conquered the world’. If we remain in communion with Jesus, we will draw strength from him. Indeed Jesus assures us that even in the midst of the trouble that the world of unbelief brings to us we will know his peace, ‘I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me’. The words of Jesus in this morning’s gospel reading encourage us to face the challenges to our faith, to the church, with confidence and courage, knowing that the Lord, through his death and resurrection, has already triumphed over the forces that are opposed to the gospel.
Your Word Lord is indeed my Strength. Good morning everyone and have a Blessed Week!
Rev Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA.
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