GOD’S JUSTICE THROUGH MAN

HOMILY: FRIDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER

Acts 25:13b-21, Ps 103:1-2.11-12.19-20ab (R.19a), Accl: John 14:26, Gospel:  John 21:15-19

In our today’s first reading, we see how God”s justice works through a man for a fellow man.Though not of the world, we are in the world. In order to scale through in life:

1. We must know the law that governs our land.
2. We must know our rights as citizens.
3. We must know our duties to the government
4. Must know our civic responsibilities
5. Above all, must know the ways of the Lord

In governor’s Festus narration to King Agrippa about Paul’s case, he said,

“And I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face-to-face, and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him.” Acts 25: 20-21

While Festus was at loss on how to investigate the charges against Paul, he asked him whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there. But Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor.

The Reality:   “You will be dragged before governors and kings because of me.” Matthew 10:18.

The Consolation “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.” Matthew 10:19

SITUATIONS

There are many people today who are in prison simply because they are ignorant of their rights.

Some are in police custody because there is no one to plead their cause.

QUOTES

There must be chaos in a nation where the leaders cannot interpret the law.

He who comes into equity must come with clean hands.

PRAYER

O Lord, help me to conduct my daily affairs with the proper knowledge of your word. I want to live my days with clean hands and pure heart. Help me to love you above all worldly riches. May I not deny you by my ways of life. May I have something of value to the ignorant. May my life be an example for sinners to emulate. Give me the grace to counsel those in doubt. Help me to be a source of consolation to those in prison. May I be generous to hungry and the thirsty. Thy kingdom come. Amen.