THE HUMAN POWER IS LIMITED (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Homily for Friday of the 28th week in the ordinary time , year II

Ephesians 1:11-14; Luke 12:1-7

In the first reading of today, St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians speaks of God's plan of salvation for humnaity. This plan of salvation consists in the "word of truth" (Eph 1:13). The substance and essence of the truth is the person of Christ Jesus, the word made flesh.

For those who believe in the truth, Christ Jesus, had the seal of the Holy Spirit been marked (Eph 1:13). This we received at the sacrament of Baptism and hence God marked us out as his own property. The Holy Spirit therefore is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to 5ue praise of his glory" (Eph 1:14).

If one for example wants to print a book, the one who understands the work will ask for a guarantee. One has to pay a certain amount of money as guarantee. It is the pledge that the work will be done. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee. Hence, those who have the Holy Spirit will have the pledge that God will grant the possession of eternal inheritance.

Dearest brothers and sister in Christ, let us constantly live in conformity with the dictates of the Holy Spirit that through us God's plan of salvation will fulfilled.

In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus says: "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear h who, after he has killed , has authority to cast into hell. Yes I tell you, fear him!" (LK 12:4-5).

Over time, the forces of darkness had tried to destroy Christ's witnesses in other to subdue the Gospel. However, the church through the power of the Holy Spirit has overcame these persecutions. Although, many Martyrs had given up their lives for the cause of Christ yet it yielded abundant fruit.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the power of man is limited. It can only hurt the body but not the soul. No human power can destroy our true worth. It can only put an end to our earthly life but not our heavenly life. It is only  God whom we must fear. The word of God tells us that "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It is not the fear which causes us to flee like our first parents but that which grants us a sense of responsibility and fidelity to God's law.

Believed in Christ, let us invoke the Holy Spirit that he may generously pour out the gift of the holy fear of God upon us all. 

Have a gracious day!

Fr Remi osj