SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER 27TH APRIL 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER 27TH APRIL 2024

Acts 13:44-52; Ps.98; John 14:7-14

Let us continue in God’s Word

After Paul had revealed to the people that it was their ignorance of the Scripture that led them to crucifying the Saviour, the people were cut to their hearts. They obviously told the story to those who were not in the synagogue that Sabbath day. And so, the next Sabbath, the whole city gathered together. It is interesting to note that the multitude did not gather because they heard that miracles happened and desired such for themselves. If at all they desired miracles, it was the miracle of being enlightened by God’s Word so that they repent and desist from whatever misdeed they do as a result of ignorance of God’s Word.

They gathered in their number because they humbly admitted that they were acting in ignorance. Their gathering was a humble submission that they did not know it all about the Word of God. Now, we should ask ourselves, what do we do with the beautiful exhortations of God’s Word we often hear. Those times that we were moved to clap after the homily, how well did we utilize the wonderful sermon. Again, how often do we discuss with colleagues, associates and friends about the Word of God that we hear? God’s Word is not meant to merely entertain us. Discussing God’s Word is an essential update we must share with our loved ones.

The gathering of the multitude did not go down well with the Jews. They were simply jealous. They had expected that since they refused the Goodnews, the message of salvation will die a natural death. It became disturbing to them that the Goodnews was blossoming without their involvement. Often times, when people realize that the key to some essential services lies in their hands, they begin to create unnecessary mystery and difficulty with the whole process. It is as if the more difficult we make ourselves to be, the more respected we become. But this is not true.

It is true that God continues to desire a closer intimacy with us but God will never allow himself to be limited, slowed down or inhibited by the wickedness of men. The moment we begin to put-up constraints in the very mission God has entrusted to us, He will immediately get the work done without us. We cannot determine for God who, when and how to bless His children. If he chooses us as instruments to bless others, it is not because He has no other option but that He wants to do us some honour. To refuse to help with the gifts God has given us amounts to rejecting the grace of God. This was the case with the Jews in the first reading of today.

Know this: the humility, graciousness and merciful nature of God is not weakness. No matter how much God uses man, God remains God in such a way that man cannot be God. Let us heed the admonition of the gospel acclamation calling us to continue in God’s Word so that we may truly be His disciples.