💖 HOMILY - MAY 19 💖

First Reading - Acts 14:5-18

Gospel - John 14:21-26

Faith is a journey of discovering God in our lives—through the varied situations, challenges, and blessings we encounter. The readings of today invite us to recognize the true God in our lives so that we may remain faithful to His commandments, especially the commandment of love.

In the first reading, we hear how Paul and Barnabas strive to lead people to the living God. After Paul performs a miracle by healing a crippled man, the people misunderstand the event and attribute divine status to Paul and Barnabas, calling them gods. However, both apostles immediately correct them and try to lead them to the true God, the Creator of all. But the people’s blindness of faith prevents them from recognizing the truth. Instead of allowing the miracle to open their hearts to God, they cling to their idolatrous traditions. This highlights how blind faith—faith not grounded in truth—can lead to misunderstanding and even distortion of God’s reality.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the abiding presence of the Holy Trinity in those who love Him and keep His commandments. The love Jesus speaks of is not merely emotional but expressed through faithful obedience. This obedient love makes a person receptive to the indwelling presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, God promised to dwell among His people (cf. Ex 29:45; Ez 37:26–27). Now, in the words of Jesus, this promise is deepened: God does not simply dwell among us, but within us. The Father grants His providence and protection, the Son offers His forgiveness and redemption, and the Holy Spirit brings sanctification and guidance.

Dear friends, the most authentic sign of God’s presence in our lives is the life we live. A life of love—genuine, forgiving, humble, and self-giving—radiates the presence of God. When we truly discover God in our lives, we cannot help but respond with faithful love and obedience. But if we fail to seek and recognize God, like the people in Lystra, our faith may become blind and misguided.

The first reading reminds us that exaggerated or misguided expressions of faith, detached from true understanding, can lead us astray. On the other hand, true faith opens our hearts to discern between falsehood and truth. It compels us to walk with integrity and deep awareness of God’s presence.

Let us, then, strive to discover God daily in our experiences, in prayer, in His Word, and in our relationships. Let us live in constant awareness of the abiding presence of the Triune God within us and conduct ourselves accordingly. And in moments of doubt or weakness, may we turn to the Holy Spirit—our inner guide—for strength and clarity.

May God help us to live faithfully in His presence.