Fr. Gerald Musa Homily for Thursday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II (1)

Fr. Gerald Musa Homily for Thursday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II

Theme: Power of Positive

By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

Homily for Thursday February 24 2022

Influence Our words and actions can influence others positively or negatively. This explains why Jesus asks us to go to any length to avoid whatever would make others stumble. He says, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung upon his neck and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42). Jesus sounds harsh, but brutally fra because he knows the dangers, consequences and ripple effects of sinful behaviour. A negative influence from one person can affect descendants, fans, subjects, peer groups and followers. For example, a person who is addicted to hard drugs could influence another person negatively and the addiction could be transmitted from generation to generation unless it is checked. Likewise, a person who is faithful to his moral and spiritual values can positively influence other and subsequent generations. We learn from the life of Jesus influences us positively because He lived what he preached. He avoided giving any bad example. He paid tax in order not to scandalize his followers (Matthew 17:27). St. Paul says we must not be stumbling-blocks in the spiritual growth of others (Romans 14:13); besides, when we wound the weak conscience of people around us, we sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). We should look inward and ask: are we influencing people positively or negatively?

Mark 9:41-50; Thursday, 7th Week