HOW TO REMAIN STANDING IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION.*

*HOMILY OF FRIDAY 26TH MARCH, 2021
FIFTH WEEK OF LENT*

R1:- Jeremiah 20:10-13
PS:- 18:1-2a.2bc-3.4-5
Accl:- John 6:63c.68c
Gosp:- John 10:31-42

*THEME: HOW TO REMAIN STANDING IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION.*

In the gospel according to Matthew ,the Lord Jesus said, “the Son of man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed.” Matthew 26:24.

Some of the challenges we face are part of what form us, but those who allow themselves to be used as cudgel on others will surely pay for the path they have chosen.

In the midsts of oppositions, when we no longer know who is on our side or against us, we have no other weapon than the evidence of a good conscience. It takes clean hands to go to equity. But in a world where no one is perfect, purity of intention becomes our witness before God, for when God is for us, no one can be against us.

” I heard whispering,” Jeremiah said. ” Terror is on every side. Let us denounce him. Say all my familiar friends. Watching for my fall. Perhaps, he will be deceived, then we can overcome him, and take our revenge on him. But the Lord is with me, a dread warrior, therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed.” Jer. 20:10-11.

Moreover, in the Gospel narrative, we see how the Jews picked up stone to stone Jesus. And Jesus asked them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone me?”

They responded to him that they did not stone him for any good work, but for blasphemy. He was accused of making himself God. However, while he escape from their fury, many came to believe him.

Moreover, the price of standing for the truth can be scary. At times, those who do not want to change from their evil ways accused those who correct them of self- righteousness. To remain in their status quo, they must drag everybody to their mud. Whoever stand as a sign of contradiction to their ways must be levelled down.

However, God cannot abandon his own. His design in the life of whoever he has sent must surely play out at their opportune time. As Christians, he has sent us as lambs in the midst of wolves, and we must be up to the task.

Hence, let us continue to be on the Lord’s side. Even in our just course, let us be mindful, lest we swift off our boundary and begin to witness for the evil one. When we loose the sense of our weapon, we may resort to tit for tat, paying back devil with his own coin and thereby get ourselves soaked into his muddy water.

With clean mind, clear intention and prayer, every wall of opposition will be levelled.

May God always assure us of his presence. May the enemies never prevail over us. Amen.