SERMON/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER 16TH APRIL 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER 16TH APRIL 2024

Acts 7:51-8:1a; Ps.31; John 6:30-35

The gain of identifying with the Lord

In the first reading of today, Stephen is arraigned before the people, the elders and the scribes; the very people who spear-headed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stephen is summoned for identifying with Jesus and he would have expected that the council will be ready to do to him as they did to Jesus. Yet, the manner and content of Stephen’s address does not seem like that of one whose death was imminent or who was afraid to die. The courage with which Stephen spoke clearly suggested that giving him a second chance to stop witnessing to the risen Christ, will be a waste of time.

It is not the case that Stephen may not have had an iota of fear for death; rather, he was much more consumed with Joy for the privilege to imitate Jesus in his suffering. For him, his suffering was a Divine Connection; an opportunity he must exercise to the full. He was convinced that if he dies with his master, he will also resurrect with him. The hope of the resurrection, a hope that cannot fail, crumbled the fear of death.

There is something great we have to learn from Stephen and that is, how to overcome fear. For every good we set our hearts to do, let us bear in mind that we will be combating with evil. For good to dispel evil, it has to reign and subdue it. The instrument with which evil tries to confront and defeat good is fear; particularly the fear of death. Today, many persons have given up fighting for justice, defending the defenseless, speaking for the voiceless and other noble humanitarian services because their lives were threatened.

Any desire to do good that is not supported by willingness to suffer martyrdom in one form or the other, may not see the light of the day. To do the work of God, we need the wisdom of God. In an homily by the Bishop of Nsukka diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, he noted that incense produces nice fragrance but only when it is burnt.

Today, you and I have been called to fill the world with the fragrance of the glory of God; the fragrance of the power of the risen Christ; and this is only possible when we allow ourselves to be burnt for the world. As Stephen was speaking to the people, the heavens were open, he saw the glory of God and Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God. This vision not only assured him of God’s presence with him but also of eternal life after his earthly sojourn. Beloved, be rest assured that when you stand for and with the Lord, you will never be put to shame. Using the words of the psalmist, let us commend our spirit into the hands of God, and our perseverance will surely win us salvation.