💖 HOMILY - MAY 5 💖

First Reading - Acts 13:26-33

Gospel - John 14:1-6

Discouragement and disappointment are usual feelings that most of us undergo due to our failures, unmet expectations and other reasons. The readings of today suggest us to alway remain hopeful and learn to trust in God.

The gospel passage of today reminds us of our eternal destiny, heaven. Jesus, realising the feelings of fear and discouragement that could emerge from the passion and death of him, exhorts the believers to trust in God and him. He assures that his going is necessary in order that he would prepare a place for all. The reference to 'place' is metaphorical as heaven is beyond time and space. Therefore, the reference to 'place' signifies the domain of God. Hence, the disciples are further exhorted to show certain qualities in order to prepare themselves for their destiny until the return of Jesus, like; showing trust in God and in Jesus, believing that Jesus is the Way who leads all to heaven through his teachings; he is the Truth in whom inheres all fullness of truth about the heaven and the Father, for he is from heaven; he is the Life that gives life and leads all to eternal life by abiding in him and in his teaching.

In the first reading, Paul makes an assertion that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of God. He also makes a comparison with the Jews, who just witnessed the promises God made to them but they could not witness the fulfillment of the promise, with his contemporary Jews, those who saw the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus and many who also witnessed his resurrection, the sign of God's confirmation of the fulfillment of His promise in him. Thereby, Paul invites his fellow Jews to recognise the promise of God in Jesus.

Dear friends, our faith in Jesus is the manifestation of our trust in the promises of Jesus. In the first reading, Paul stresses that God ever fulfills his promises. We are also given assurance in the promises of Jesus through Paul. Jesus appeals to us through the gospel that we should always have trust in God and in him. It's our trust in Jesus that can always encourage and impel us to accept Jesus as our Way, Truth, and Life; who alone can lead us to heaven.

The readings also urge us that we need to overcome the moments of discouragement and hopelessness because they can only demoralize and dishearten us but we are invited today to learn to place trust in God in every situation of our life, even if they are so bad and shattering. Our trust in God gives us hope and hope makes us remain upbeat in all situations of our lives.

May God strengthen us in our faith.