Bible Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18; John 10:31-42
In the Acts of the Apostles 17:16-34, we have an account of Paul’s moving sermon in Athens. When he finished, most of the people laughed at him because they judged what he said as ridiculous and irrational. What they called ridiculous is the truth that brings life, light, forgiveness freedom and salvation.
There are times when we may try to share our faith or talk to someone about God and they will react with aggression, scorn or indifference.
This is what happened to Jeremiah in the First Reading. He talked passionately about God to his friends and they disparaged him and watched for his downfall. In the Gospel, Jesus openly declared His identity and the people accused Him of blasphemy and picked up stones to throw at Him.
We are reminded today that our faith and the reason for our hope may not make sense to some people, no matter the conviction and eloquence of our presentation. It may make sense to some but they won’t be willing to make any commitment.
This, however, shouldn’t discourage us. Saving faith doesn’t have to make sense to everyone. Let us keep living out our faith in action and pray for others to come to experience the infinite beauty of having a relationship with God. Let us refrain from judging others because they do not believe what we believe. Should we be persecuted or ill-treated on account of our faith, we are not to fight back or be aggressive, as this will run contrary to a life of witnessing. Instead, we respond with love and peace and commit our cause to the Lord.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on April 8, 2022.