DATE : 27/3/2021
EVENT : Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
COLOUR: Violet
READINGS : Ezekiel 37:21-28; Resp. Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11:45-56.
THEME: SHUN ALL FORMS OF DUPLICITY
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this Twenty Seventh day of March, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Shun All Forms Of Duplicity". Beloved in Christ, one of the greatest problems of our time is that most of us have lost the sense of integrity. People of integrity can hardly be found around our communities these days. Everybody seem to be living a deceptive life, people tend to portray what they are not, while their real nature and character is concealed. According to the Webster Learner's Dictionary, integrity is a state of being steadfast in a given moral code or belief. What this means is that, whether in private or in public, my life is governed by a moral code. Whether in an unpleasant moment or pleasant moment, I still respect and stand by what I believe in, whether it wins me more friends or attracts more enemies to me. My "yes" is always "yes", anyday anytime. I do not vacillate when things change. I do not have a wagging tongue, saying "Yes" in public and "No" in private.
In the Gospel reading of today, John 11:45-56, we are told that due to his actions and words of preaching, Jesus garnered enemies for himself among the leading men of the society and the temple. These elites, became uncomfortable with the ministry of Jesus which was integral, uncompromising and authentic. Thus, the people thought that because of this growing hostility and open plot to annihilate him, Jesus, would desist from doing the good works he does, would soft pedal the tone of his preaching and avoid public places like the temple at Jerusalem where the brood of his enemies were brewing. They forgot that Jesus was a man of integrity, who is not afraid to die for what he believes and preaches. They forgot that Jesus had warned them to shun all forms of duplicity. They forgot that Jesus was a man who was ready to stand by his words, a man who meant every thing he said and a man who was ready to walk his talk.
Child of God, duplicity is when you appear holy in Church and then outside the church, you are anything but holy. Duplicity is when your words does not match your actions. Duplicity is when you vacillate and change your moral code depending on the circumstances you find yourself. Duplicity is when your heart knows the truth to be done, but your physical actions does the opposite. Duplicity is when you say 'yes' in public but says 'no' in private. Duplicity is when your actions is dependent on the reaction of people. A person who practices duplicity will always lack integrity. A person who lacks integrity can never be trusted. A person that cannot be trusted has lost out in life already. So like Jesus, beloved, let us practice a life of integrity, let us not be afraid of what people will say or do to us. If you are honest and sincere in your dealings, God will always vindicate you.
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to cultivate the virtue of integrity and not to vacillate based on public perception..
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ....Amen
HAPPY WEEKEND BELOVED FRIENDS
@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪
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