SERMON/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY (WEEKDAY OF CHRISTMAS) 4TH JANUARY 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY (WEEKDAY OF CHRISTMAS) 4TH JANUARY 2024

1John 3:7-10; Ps.98; John 1:35-42

Point the Lord to Others

Today, John continues his mission as forerunner of the Lord. Each time he sees the Lord, he reminds his listeners that it is the Lord. For this reason, two of his followers left him and went with the Lord. This does not anger John the Baptist because he understands and remains committed to his mission of preparing for the Lord; he is not the Lord.

We too have the responsibility of pointing the Lord to those around us. We must do this to the extent that we decrease for the Lord to increase. We are the instruments; Christ is the subject matter. To point the Lord to others is not strictly a matter of preaching the Word. Each time we share what the Lord has given to us in a manner that emphasizes that God is the source, we are pointing the Lord to others. This is something that can only be achieved through humility. Pride beclouds us into thinking that our endowments are as a result of our hardwork alone.

When the two followers came to Jesus, he asked them: “what do you seek?” This question shows that Jesus is not moved by our physical compliance but by the interiority of the heart. The value of our actions lies in their governing propensity – the reason that motivates them. So, it is not enough to be in Church, why we are in Church must be accessed and purified.

The two men answered that they want to know where Jesus lived; that is they want to live with him. To live with Jesus means to abide with him. These disciples did not leave John because following Jesus will mean increased reputation, but that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Friend, we cannot be political in discipleship. We are either genuine or out. It does not matter the accolades we enjoy from men and even from ministers of God. These only see what you present outwardly. God is able to see our hearts and so, He is the best judge. Men may praise you but only God can reward.

The first reading reminds us that as children of God, we must always be busy overcoming sin. If we fashion out justification to abandon this life-project, we will end up abiding in sin. Sin is an offence against God. If we are following Jesus because we want to live with him, we will not want to offend Him. Those who see nothing wrong is sinning are those who have not yet added love to discipleship. Such discipleship does not tilt towards salvation.