HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: PEACE OF CHRIST
BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali
HOMILY FOR TUESDAY MAY 17 2022
In our liturgy today, the readings give account of farewell discourse and exhortations from Jesus and Paul and Barnabas.
In the gospel (John 14: 27-31), as Jesus is approaching His “Hour of glory”, and knowing how troubled His disciples would be because of His departure, Jesus bequeathed them His gift of peace- “Divine Impartation”. The gift of peace which is beyond all human understanding will guard our hearts and thoughts to Christ (Phil. 4:7).
Paul and Barnabas in the first reading (Acts 14: 19-28), at the end of their first missionary journey, returned back to Antioch after suffering persecution in the hands of the Jews in Lycaonia. In the Churches they established, they commissioned “presbyters”- elders, who would look after the newly founded community by laying their hands on them and imparting the gifts of the Spirit unto them.
Dear friends, as Christians, we are pilgrims on a journey back to our Father. The journey is not always straightforward, it can be twisted along the way, but we have a traveling companion in Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. While we are on this earth battling with the “prince of this world”, what we need is the peace that Jesus offers which conquers our anxieties and fears. In the cross of Christ we find true peace and reconciliation. Do you constantly live in the peace of Christ?
I pray as we journey in live today, we will reach into the depth of our being to fan into flame the gifts of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. The Holy Spirit in us embodies peace which removes hatred and tramples on pride, and no sorrow or strife can quench. May we find such peace in all our struggles today. Have a peace-full day!
Fr. Francis Onwunali