Homily (Reflection) for Fifth Sunday of
Easter, (A) (14th May, 2017) on the Gospel
Acts 6:1-7;
Ps. 32:1-2.4-5.18-19 (R. v. 22);1Pt 2:4-9;
Jn 14:1-12.
During my secondary school days just as we still have today
in our schools, some of the students did not believe that education is of any
use. They often support their view with list of people who without going beyond
Basic 6 made it in life especially in the business world on one hand and on the
other hand list of graduates who still depend on others for their daily bread.
For such students, there is little or no reason why one should strain
him/herself going to classes, doing assignments, reading, and so on because.
Topic: There Is Life after Death.
Jesus tells us in today’s gospel
pericope:
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling
places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place
for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take
you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also (Jn 14:2-3).
Christ has gone to prepare dwelling places for us. However, Jesus
is also telling us in the gospel according to Saint Matthew: “Everyone ... who
acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in
heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father
in heaven” (Matt 10:32-33).
Similarly, in the Book of Revelation we read: “He who conquers shall be clad
thus in white garments, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life; I
will confess his name before my Father and before his angels” (Rev 3:5). Again Saint John wrote: “And
I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were
opened. Also another book was opened, the book of life. And the dead were
judged according to their works, as recorded in the books” (Rev. 20:12). Hence, the Psalmist
rightly noted that those who fear the LORD and walk according to his law are
blessed, cf. Ps 128:4; 119:1.
Nothing unclean shall enter the kingdom of God, cf. Rev 21:27.
Just as some students do not see any reason why they should
go to school, many do not see why they should do good. Prophet Malachi
beautifully captured it thus:
You have said, ‘It is vain to serve
God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners
before the LORD of hosts? Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only
prosper, but when they put God to the test they escape (Mal 3:14-15).
Do not be discouraged. The Book Revelation reads, “And I
heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in
the Lord henceforth.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest
from their labours, for their deeds follow them!’” (Rev 14:13).
Jesus tells us, “Blessed are you when men revile you and
persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matt 5:11). Saint James also wrote, “Blessed
is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will
receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12). Dear ones in the Lord, we
are bound to have trials while here on earth. Let us not be discouraged. We
ought to live lives worthy of the eternal happiness in the world to come which
Jesus has gone to prepare for all who will be ready, cf. Lk 18:8. Remember, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the
heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1Cor 2:9).
Bible Reading: Matt 10:26-33; Lk 12:41-48; Rev 2:1-5; 3:1-6;
20:11-15; Mal 3:13-18.
Thought for today:
Do
you remember that there is life after death?
Let us pray: God our Father, give us the grace to live lives that
will earn for us eternal dwelling – Amen.
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free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.
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