HOMILY OF 5TH TUESDAY IN EASTERTIDE: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANS
BY: Fr. Paul Karabari
Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-13, 21; John 14:27-31
“They returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples.”
What comes to mind when you hear the word courageous? Perhaps images of soldiers in battle or people facing life-threatening danger. Yet, true courage is not only found on battlefields—it is found in steadfast hearts that refuse to abandon truth, even when it is costly. This is the kind of courage that defined the early Christians. In Acts 14:21–27, Paul was stoned, dragged out, and left for dead. But instead of retreating, he rose and continued preaching. Even more astonishing, he returned to the very cities where his life had been threatened—Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—not for revenge, but to strengthen fellow believers. That is courage rooted in conviction, not comfort.
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Sadly, many Christians today struggle with this depth of commitment. A minor disagreement in church, a harsh word, or a small inconvenience is enough to make some withdraw, relocate, or even abandon their faith community. We often prefer a version of Christianity that is safe, convenient, and free from sacrifice. But the Gospel presents a different reality: discipleship demands endurance. We cannot desire the crown without embracing the cross. Faith that avoids sacrifice becomes shallow, and devotion without perseverance cannot withstand trials.
Fear is one of the greatest enemies of courage. It creeps in quietly, magnifies challenges, and robs us of peace. Yet in the midst of fear, Christ speaks: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27). God’s command remains timeless: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Courage, then, is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust God in spite of it. When we fix our eyes on Him, we discover that He walks with us through every trial, giving us strength beyond our own.
Following Christ is not a promise of ease, but a call to faithfulness. Scripture reminds us: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Challenges, opposition, and even rejection are part of the Christian journey. Yet, Jesus assures us: “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Endurance is the hallmark of authentic faith. The early Christians understood this, and their courage became the seed of a thriving Church.
Be encouraged: God sees you, loves you, and walks beside you. He strengthens you to stand, to witness, and to remain faithful even when it is difficult. Do not be ashamed of your faith, and do not let fear silence your testimony. With prayer and perseverance, you can boldly reflect Christ wherever you are. Let your life proclaim His glory.
As the hymn declares:
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.”
A courageous Christian does not measure faith by risk, because life without Christ is already the greatest risk of all.
GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE.
May He heal our world, strengthen our hearts, and grant us the courage to remain faithful until the end, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Good morning.
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