SERMON/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT 15TH MARCH 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT 15TH MARCH 2024

Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Ps.34; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Temptations are sure to come!

I have often times hear people complain bitterly about how enemies are haunting them in their businesses, offices, health, family and other avenues. For them, this is a clear sign that the enemies (who may even be close associates) have particular interest in bringing them down. Unscrupulous men and women who position themselves as men/women of God have come to utilize this syndrome. They have become experts in interpreting every complaint as the activities of the enemies either on account of what the victim has achieved or a perceived greatness in the future. The deception in all of these is contained in the first reading of today.

Ungodly men are always after the righteous, seeking for ways to bring the righteous man down because his righteousness reminds them of how unrighteous they have become. They set to either destroy or convert the righteous man to their ways. In either case, his righteousness will stop tormenting them. This first reading does not describe a particular situation but a general scheme of things, namely, that evil is always attacking the good. So, it is nothing really special for someone to tell you that the devil (the enemy) is after you. It is normal, it is expected, it shows that you are not on the side of the devil – for the devil will not be tempting those who already belong to him.

So, whether you feel it or not; whether things are going on well for you or not; whether you are healthy or not; whether you are happy or not, the devil is always out against the children of God. Little wonder the book of Sirach reminds us that if we want to serve the Lord, we should prepare for an ordeal. If the devil is not attacking you already (and you do not belong to his team), then expect it anytime soon.

What God has promised us is victory. This victory can take different dimensions; but we must trust God with the process and be consistent in doing good for this victory to materialize in our lives and situations. In the gospel reading, though the Jews sought to kill Jesus, they could not while he taught in the temple because his hour has not yet come. See, nothing will happen to you without God’s permission; and even when God permits it, from the beginning, He has already guaranteed your victory at the end.

So, let no one dissuade you with the common news that enemies are after your life; it is a common news because evil always seek to attack good. Just understand the principles of gaining divine victory and move on with your life. Those who remain on the side of righteousness are never defeated. One with God is majority.