GOD MUST BE AT THE CENTER STAGE OF OUR LIVES (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER15TH MAY 2022

GOD MUST BE AT THE CENTER STAGE OF OUR LIVES   (Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26)

The enmity between the Jews and the Gentiles notwithstanding, simply for the sake of terminating the preaching ministry of Paul and Barnabas, the Jews and the Gentiles connived to mistreat Paul and Barnabas and stone them (Acts 14:5). A replica of the coming together of Herod and Pilate against Jesus Christ even though they were arch-enemies. Brothers and sisters in Christ, does it not bother you how evil-doers can set aside their conflicts and disagreements simply to reach a consensus on how to obstruct the fruitfulness of the good? They collaboratively carry out an evil act despite their conflict of interest? Their primal objective of unity is for the destruction of the good. Insofar as the downfall of the good is accomplished they can continue in their enmity. Beloved in Christ, does this not shock you? What should even bother us the most is why aren't good-doers (Christians) able to vehemently unite to carry out good acts; in other to obstruct the growth of evil deeds and guarantee the great work of evangelization? Why can't they set aside their tribal differences and language barriers etc to unanimously realize the objective of goodness? There is need for the children of light to work more as a team and a family going forward. 

Another point of consideration is the refusal of Paul and Barnabas to take the center stage at the appraisals from the crowds sequel to the healing of the poor cripple from birth. “Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker” (Acts 14:12). Rather than take the glory,we are told that they focused on the removal of the cobweb of ignorance from the crowds by preaching the risen Christ.  Friends in Christ, it is worth noting that the attitude of Paul and Barnabas significantly addresses the egoism of so many ministers of the word of God today who desire to take for themselves the center stage in the church rather than make the Risen Christ the center of the ministry. At any slightest ‘miracle’ they seek their own glory and fame and disregard God. They attribute everything to their power and strength thereby occupying the center stage.

In a situation like this, ministers of the word of God must turn to the Holy Spirit, the advocate of truth, that He may teach and guide us in remembrance of the eternal truths of the kingdom of God revealed to us by Jesus Christ. For he told his apostles in the Gospel of John 14 “ the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you”. The Holy Spirit does not teach anything new but what Jesus had revealed. Therefore, like John the Baptist let us constantly say “He (Jesus) must increase; and I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). Jesus must be at the center stage of our ministry. Let all the glory be given to God for we are simply “unworthy servant of God” (Lk 17:10). Remember, our love of God is hinged on the obedience to God's commandments for he said “ if anyone loves me he will keep my word, my Father will love him and we shall come to him and make our home with him”.

I pray for you beloved Children of God as you begin your activities this day that through the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, the teacher of Eternal Truth, God will continually take the center stage in your life, in your family and upon all your endeavours. May He incessantly make your family his dwelling place and guide you all to keep and love his precepts.

Have a fruitful day

Fr Remi osj.