Homily For Friday Before Epiphany, 5th January, 2024

Readings: 1 John 3:11-21; Ps 100; John 1:43-51

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

HUMANITY IS IN NEED OF PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY LIKE NATHANIEL

 

In our society today, morals and virtuous actions are no longer valuable and fashionable as society seems to be living, promoting and celebrating artful deception, dishonesty, corruption and fraudsters. Integrity has become a virus to be eliminated as quickly as possible while heroes of deception and fraudsters are honoured and celebrated.

 

Today we are called to change this ugly attitude and learn from Nathaniel. A man of integrity whom Jesus in our Gospel passage today gave a great compliment when he met him and said “Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile.” For there was no deception in him. Jesus could see right away that he was forthright, honest, open, plainspoken, straightforward, innocent and unpretentious.

 

Nathaniel thought that nothing good could come out of Nazareth, but when he encountered Jesus, he exclaimed, “Rabbi you are the son of God” and Jesus acknowledged his faith and promised him that he would see the heaven-opened angels ascending and descending. This teaches us that we should not underrate people because of their humble background. But like Phillip who introduced Nathaniel to Jesus, we are called to share our experience of Jesus with those we encounter in life no matter their background, for it can be a great opportunity for them to encounter God.

 

Dear friends, the world needs people of integrity like of Nathaniel and today we are called to imitate him. But can I be a sign of integrity in a world full of corruption and deceit? Can I say no to corruption and greediness? Can I speak and stand for truth in my dealings with people this year? Let our everyday encounter with Jesus this year help to transform us, and by so doing we can transform the ugly situation in our societies and the world at large through our witnessing.

 

Little wonder St.  John in our first reading today said: You must not be surprised, brothers, when the world hates you; since we have passed out of death and into life, and of this we can be sure because we love our brothers. If you refuse to love, you must remain dead; to hate your brother is to be a murderer, and murderers, as you know, do not have eternal life in them.

 

Therefore, let us like Nathaniel be courageous and exemplary in our actions, so that, living by our faith and doing what the Lord has commanded us to do, we may become great instrument that will win more people and save many more souls for the Lord.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, today we are reminded of the need to live a life of integrity in a world full of deception and corruption. Grant us the grace to embrace your word and experience your presence in our lives and so change our ugly and sinful ways of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you uncommon favour from the Lord today and always.