SERMON/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT 14TH MARCH 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF LENT 14TH MARCH 2024

Exodus 32:7-14; Ps.106; John 5:31-47

The Word of God is a Testimony

The Jews have been angry with Jesus and have resolved to kill him because he broke the Sabbath law and claimed to be equal with God. In today’s gospel, Jesus reveals that the rejection of the Jews is not based on anything wrong He may have done but on the Jews’ refusal to perceive the various testimonies about Jesus.

There have been many testimonies about Jesus; His works, John the Baptist, the testimony of the Father Himself, the Hebrew Scriptures which rested on the Mosaic Law. By their rejection, the Jews contradicted themselves because the Mosaic Law on which they based their case against Jesus, clearly testifies to the person and mission of Jesus Christ. This explains why Jesus told them that it was Moses who accuses them to the Father.

What becomes obvious here is that we will give account of the Word of God we have heard at different times and in the various events of our lives; we will be accountable for the various means and times God has manifested Himself to us. Every testimony about Jesus is meant to enlighten us more on how we can live holier lives. Therefore, each time we hear God’s Word, it should move us into action – action of becoming perfect.

The reason why there will be judgment is because there are testimonies; just as the reason why schools have examinations is because lectures were delivered.

In the first reading, we learn from Moses that we should be concerned about the salvation of others. When I am evangelized, the mission does not end with me. To be evangelized is to receive the Divine mandate to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt.28:19). And so, we will not only give account of how well we have internalized the testimonies about Jesus but also how well we too have testified about Him.

Lent calls us to be charitable with our prayers. When you pray for others, God does not abandon you and then focus on who you are praying for; instead, it shows that you are indeed your brother's keeper. A brother's keeper will never be left unkept.