SERMON/ HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER 22ND APRIL 2024

SERMON/ HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER 22ND APRIL 2024

Acts 11:1-18; Ps.42; John 10:1-10

Obedience and Accountability

Yesterday, we reflected on the image of the Good Shepherd, a model for us today. Today, Peter, the head of the Church, demonstrated exemplary life-style as a Shepherd after God’s heart. For one to be like the good shepherd, he/she must be able to listen. We need to listen to God’s voice in order to follow him; we need to listen to God’s voice in order to know how to effectively be His ministers.

Peter saw a vision in which the Lord made known to him His desire that all men be saved irrespective of whatever barrier that divide men socially and otherwise. If Peter had not listened, he would have been moving but not in God’s direction.

When Peter’s action scandalized the circumcised party, he displayed another trait of a good Shepherd: accountability. He explained to them why he did what he did; how he got the divine mandate to welcome the gentiles too into the faith. After explanation, the people who first complained now glorified God.

If we must win the confidence and trust of those who look up to us, we must be ready to give account of our stewardship. It is a sign that you respect such persons. Someone does not have to be above you before you feel obliged to be accountable (even on informal ground) to the person. Any group we work with, deserves our accountability; we must be accountable for everything we receive. Accountability wins for one the trust of others. If the people don’t trust a leader, they will not follow the leader. So, if we must win souls for Jesus, we cannot but be accountable.

God desires that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. It is through our availability that this can come about. One who does not listen to the voice of God in prayer and concretely obey Him, cannot win souls for God's kingdom. If we must draw others closer to Jesus, we must be prayerful and obedient.