SERMON/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF LENT 20TH MARCH 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF LENT 20TH MARCH 2024

Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; Dan.3; John 8:31-42

Who is your Father?

The argument in today’s gospel is more interesting when we pay attention to the parties involved: Jesus and the Jews. This time around, it was not the Jews who have been seeking for opportunity to condemn Jesus, but some Jews who had actually come to believe in Jesus. So, these Jews per se, were on Jesus’ side. But how come the heated argument? It was simply because Jesus was reading a manifesto they never thought was relevant to them. Jesus promised them freedom if they continue in his word. But, for them, they do not need freedom because being descendants of Abraham, they have never (and maybe can never) be slaves to anyone.

Clearly, these believing Jews did not understand the kind of freedom Jesus promised them. More importantly, they were oblivious of the slavery consequence of sin. This second ignorance remains prevalent till this day. Many Christians are not able to perceive the slavery sin puts them into; and as such, they have not come to experience and appreciate the freedom in seeking reconciliation with God. The joy of a free conscience can never be undermined.

The life and experience of a slave is nothing to write home about. The prodigal son experienced it only for a while and he was forced to come to his senses and return home. A slave never gets a good life. He has no right to complain about anything. He is never comfortable. The best favour a slave desires is to be returned home. Unfortunately, some persons are able to feel comfortable in spiritual slavery. The loss of the sense and shame of sin is one of the worst thing that can happen to any person. For example, if you can afford to remain in mortal sin continually, starving yourself of the Holy Eucharist, and still not feel too bordered about it, then you have to cross-check if you are still the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Whatever that can make you comfortable in sin, is the worst enemy against your salvation. Jesus gives us a short and candid advice today: you do the works of your father. The question now is: who have we taken as our father? Whose works are we doing? We can put it this way: show me your works, and I will tell you who your father is. Whoever directs and possesses you is automatically your father. Know this: if your creator is not your father, then _that_ your father is surely is your destroyer.