Homily For Friday in Octave of Easter, 5th April, 2024

Readings: Acts.4:1-12; Ps.117; John:21:1-14

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia.

LIFE IS EMPTY WITHOUT THE LORD AS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR LIVES

For any system or structure to remain firm and sustainable, such structure must be well situated on a solid foundation known as the cornerstone. This is also applicable to most things we do in life. Today in our Gospel passage, the disciples of Jesus led by Peter had left Jerusalem and gone all the way back to their native homes to resume their former ways of life as fishermen, because they have failed to understand that Jesus is the cornerstone of their lives. So they went fishing all night. After a whole night’s fishing, they caught absolutely nothing, tired and disappointed. 

This night of futile fishing left them with empty nets and hopelessness. They have forgotten that without Jesus the cornerstone, they can do nothing. It was at this point that suddenly, a stranger on the shore invited them for breakfast. Here, Jesus takes the initiative and visits them as he engages them in a dialogue saying: “Have you caught anything?” They reluctantly admit they have got nothing. Then, he said to them drop your nets on the right side of the boat and you will find something. They did so and were overwhelmed by the catch they had made. There were so many fish that they simply could not be taken into the boat. Thus, they recognize that it was Jesus the cornerstone of their lives and mission. 

Dear friends, like the disciples, we too must come to recognize Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives, who is there for us even in the most mundane moments of our daily lives. For Peter tells us in our first reading, that Jesus is that stone which the builders rejected, but today is the cornerstone by which we are saved. Today, all over the world, people are struggling with different ugly situations. In fact, the world is in a state of confusion, people are suffering, their means of livelihood have been deprived, no food, no electricity no good water, crisis everywhere, poverty is on the increase, house rent is due and no one to run to, some family only look up to God for daily survival.

 

However,  in the midst of this ugly situation, let us know that we are not left alone in our fears and sorrows, for Jesus, the cornerstone of our lives is nearer to us now than before. We only need to have faith in him and acknowledge him as the cornerstone of our lives and families especially in this difficult moment. Let us be strong, steadfast, courageous and hopeful, knowing that the Joy of the risen Lord is our strength.

LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, without you we will toil in vain, never cease to be the cornerstone of our lives, our families and the world at large. May the most vulnerable in our midst experience your grace, your help, your healing, favour and interventions as we look up to you as our cornerstone. For you live and reign forever and ever. Amen. Have a fruitful day.