HOMILY OF THE 5TH FRIDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: ‘I AM THE SON OF GOD’
BY: Fr. Mike Lagrimas
Jeremiah 20:10-13, Psalm 17:2-7, John 10:31-42
The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” [Then] they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF THE 5TH FRIDAY IN LENT
“You, a man, are making yourself God.” This is a very valid accusation! It is, indeed, impossible for a man to become God. These people have all the right to be infuriated.
But with Jesus, it is the complete opposite. He is God who became man. Then, that is possible. God can even choose to become a lion, or a whale, or a rock. With God, nothing is impossible.
The main problem here is that these people stubbornly refuse to accept the truth. Jesus expressed His frustration and dismay: “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?”
Many times in His teachings, Jesus would say, “Let those who have ears, hear” (Matt. 13:1-53; Mark 4:1-34; Luke 8:4-15). Undoubtedly, not all who have ears can hear. Most of them choose not to listen. It is possible for a blind man to see. This has been repeatedly illustrated in the Gospels. But it is not possible for a man with healthy eyes to see if he refuses to see. Despite His power, Jesus will not be able to make Him see.
That is why He used parables in His teachings. And He explains, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’” (Mt 13:13). And He quotes Isaiah 6:9-10: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them’ (Mt 13:14-15).
The big question is: Why do they choose not to believe, despite all the miracles and wonders done by Jesus right in front of their eyes?
The issue here, therefore, is not about the eyes and ears. Rather, this is all about the heart. Their hearts are hardened by pride and ambition, selfishness and arrogance. They are unwilling to believe in Jesus, not because His works are doubtful or insufficient to prove the truth of what He is saying. It is because His words entail radical conversion in His listeners. And, sad to say, they are not ready, and are even unwilling, to change their behavior and lifestyle.
We are reminded of the classic story of a man severely addicted to smoking. He completely stopped reading newspapers and magazines that expose the deadly effects of smoking so that he can continue with his vice.
This is what happens to so many Catholics nowadays. They come to Sunday Mass but are selective with the teachings of the Lord. They only listen to those teachings that are convenient and beneficial to them, those that do not challenge their behavior and worldly principles. They only want to hear ‘nice’ homilies. They close their ears, and are even offended, when the priest talks about the hard truths of the Gospel. They are aptly called “Cafeteria Catholics” who adhere to the “Prosperity Gospel”.
The call to conversion and repentance has never been more urgent and crucial. Our immediate and positive response to this call is the key towards our salvation, especially during these difficult and dangerous times. May we fully comprehend and always remember these words from our Merciful God:
“If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>