HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A (2)
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHT WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.
HOMILY THEME: NO MORE SECRETS.
BY: Fr. Evaristus Abu
HOMILY:
“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. … I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; Yes, I tell you, fear him! Luke 12:1-5.
Do these phrases sound familiar? “Hey, relax, don’t you trust me again?” “I swear, I this is just between us, okay.” “For your eyes only!” Do you notice how words like this often lead us to sin?
The story is often told of a certain holy man who was tempted to sin by a loose woman. She did everything she could to persuade him so one day he agreed to her bidding and just when she was about to undress, he told her: “No. Not here, follow me, I will let you know when I am ready.”
The lady filled with excitement followed him eagerly as he walked from street to street each time repeating, “Is it okay here?” and he would say, “No, let’s keep walking.” Eventually, they got to a very busy market with thousands of people walking up and down pushing, shoving and shouting at each other. Then all of a sudden, he stopped and said to her: “Oya, girl, go ahead, now I am ready to do it!”
She was so embarrassed that she turned immediately and ran away. That was the last time she ever set her eyes on this man.
The thing I don’t understand is, why is it easy for me to exercise restraint and self- control when I know others are watching me yet when I am alone, or when no one else is watching, I become weak and fall easily? The answer is FEAR. I am afraid of people, of what they think about me or of what they would say but I am not so afraid of God. What a pity!
The key to avoiding secret sins is deepening our fear of God; consciously reminding ourselves that God is the only one that deserves our fear since he can not only kill the body but has power to cast us into hell fire. No wonder the bible says: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Sirach 1:14 & 20.
Live in a manner that when your deepest secrets are one day exposed to light, the world itself will be inspired at their contents. Remember, it is not about what people think, do not try to please people (hypocrisy), live by your conscience, always strive to please God at all times whether in secret or in public.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free me from evil and take away any skeleton in my cupboard. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 4:1-8 and Luke 12:1-7).
