HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: WITNESSING TOGETHER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY APRIL 28 2022
The readings of today tell us about witnessing together with the Holy Spirit to the work and love of the Father in the Son.
Peter and John in the first reading (Acts 5: 27-33) were brought before the Sanhedrin to explain why they were disobeying the orders of the Council. Peter, replying to their inquiry held firm that they must give witness to the truth of God and they do it by and through the power of the Holy Spirit. At this time, Peter and the other Apostle were not ready to compromise the mission given to them by their Master. The Holy Spirit, the Principal Agent of Evangelization, stands and speaks with them.
In the gospel (John 3: 31-36), John the Baptist bears witness for Jesus as coming from above; that the Father loves the Son, has entrusted everything to Him and anyone who believes in the Son will have eternal life. John continues, “God gives Him the Spirit without reserve”. Jesus and the Holy Spirit testify to the Truth of the Love of the Father, which is the mission of the Eternal Son to the world.
Dear friends, whenever we stand and give witness to the Truth, we are not acting alone, but we speak in the Name of Jesus and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Like the Apostles, we are called to bear witness to the Truth that “God loves the world so much”, welcome or unwelcome. This mission of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, sharing the love of the Father by Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection has become our own mission. As Christ sacrificed for us, we are called to sacrifice for one another.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will not allow the circumstances of our lives to pitch us against the Truth. With the Psalmist, we testify: “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Many are the trials of the just man but from them all the Lord will rescue him” (Ps. 34). May the Lord deliver and rescue us from all the schemes of the evil one. Have a testimony-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali