Homily For Friday Fifth Week of Lent Year B, 22nd March, 2024

Readings: Jer.20:10-13; Ps.18; John 10:31-42

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

 

WHAT KIND OF IMAGE OF GOD RESIDES IN YOUR HEART?

 

As we come closer to the peak of our Lenten season, when we recall the great price Jesus paid for our redemption, the Gospel passage today, reminds us of the trouble Jesus has to bear from the Jewish authorities on account of his personality. This is the same with prophet Jeremiah who was also persecuted terribly and suffered in the hands of those who used to be his friends as we have it in our first reading today, where we heard of his lamentations and words for all those who have persecuted and plotted against him.

 

So, in the same way Jesus was being misunderstood and persecuted by the people who should understand him better. Hence, he challenged them to accept his personality as the Son of God who reveals the love of the Father and gives eternal life. But because of the unclear image of God they have in their minds they could not accept the teachings of Jesus in relation to God the Father. Thus, they tried to stone him.

 

Dear friends, often times we behave the same way, where in the name of God, some persons are ready to kill others. In fact throughout history, Jews, Christians and Muslims, have fought in the name God. Today the same thing is still happening in our societies and countries. These ugly attitudes will continue to happen because we do not have the right image of the God we claim to be serving.

 

The Jews condemned Jesus because of the particular image they have about God which prevented them from accepting the teachings of Jesus and since they were also deeply biased and prejudiced against Jesus, it was difficult for any words of truth or reason to change their minds. So, they persecuted the Lord just as their ancestors had persecuted Jeremiah and the other prophets.

 

In a similar way, through our disobedience, pride and ignorance, we may have behaved just like those who have persecuted the prophets and also refused to listen to the truth of what Jesus has told us about his personality. Therefore, What kind of image of God resides in our hearts? Is it the image of a God who is Pure, Loving and Merciful? Or an image of one who dominates others and condemn them?.

 

LET US PRAY: Lord God, may this season of Lent guide us to have a true image of you in our minds and may this image reflect in our relationship with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed day.