HOMILY
FOR THE 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A
Rev.
Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi
There was an eight
year-old boy. He was found inside the Church, praying. Seated beside him was
his younger sister. Together with his sister, they were muttering silent
supplications to the Almighty God. Their father who died of a ghastly motor
accident had just being buried. They were
orphaned. And their mother had been struggling all alone to see that the
two children survive and at least eat. The children knew that the relatives
were mistreating the mum, as even some elderly men had started to cultivate
forcefully in the lands own by their dad, which virtually belong to the family
now. But the mum would always make the children to believe that everything was
alright. They need only to struggle and the sky would be their limit. This
little boy never lost hope as he was aware that the only person they needed to
talk to about the situation of their family is God. Soon, an old man who had
been watching them decided to talk to them. He moved closer to these orphans who
were deeply in prayers. When he got to them, he contemplated the boy and the
girl, as the boy cuddled the sister as if to console her. The boy looked
emaciated. His shirt bore testimony to the good old days; days when children
had parents who cared and catered to their needs and comforts. Their shirts
were old but not dirty. The boy had learnt during one of the sessions of his
catechism classes that cleanliness is next to godliness. Thus, even in their
state of deprivation, his shirt was very clean.
However, the boy and
the girl were not aware that they had attracted the interest of the man. They were
engrossed in their prayers, as their disposition demonstrated an absolute faith
in God as their father. As the old man was still looking at them, the little
boy began to weep. Tears occasioned by his experiences, and his powerlessness
to help the situation of the family, but also filled with hope in the presence
of the Lord. Then the man touched him slightly and spoke to him: what is it that you are asking from the Lord?
And the boy looked up to the strange man and replied: my earthly father is no more; I am praying to my heavenly father to
grant him paradise. My mother has kept on crying since then; I ask the Lord to
give her patience, fortitude and peace. My sister always cries for clothes; I
am praying that the Lord gives me money to get her clothes. Then the man
probed further: do you go to school? The
boy replied ‘yes’. What class are you now? The boy said: I don’t go there to study. My mother makes
some pies; and I go to that school to sell them for her. That is how we survive
now. At this point, the man could not bear it any longer. He too started to
clean the tears from his eyes.
He quickly asked the
boy: don’t you have any relative? The
boy responded: we had relatives when my
father was alive, but now, we have none. The poor orphans have no relatives.
The encounter reached its climax when the old man asked the boy: if anyone takes care of your school fees,
will you study? The boy responded: Never.
Educated people are selfish and hate the poor. None of the literates here have
bothered to talk to us or even tried to help us. All these people knew my
father when he was alive. But now, they do not want to know us again. As if
the boy was trying to advice the old man, he added in conclusion: Uncle,
when your father dies, every single person whom you know turns to be a stranger.
This long story, apart
from the fact of showing the plight of these orphans also shows the mentality
which goes with demise. Often times, we are afraid when we sense that we are
losing someone close to us. Even in friendship, there is some tension and fear
that goes with us when a friend withdraws far from us. Jesus was well aware of
this tension and fear. The Gospel (John 14: 15-21) of today opens to us the
promissory words of Jesus to his disciples. Jesus clearly told his followers
that he would not leave them as orphans; that means fatherless. Orphans are easily
prone to hopelessness, fear of the unknown, discouragement, feelings of hatred,
inhuman treatment and their likes. He knew that his disciples might be tensed
since he was already talking about his death. At the moment, they were
bewildered and numbed with the sense of impending tragedy, but the day will
come when their eyes will be opened, their minds will understand and their
hearts will be kindled, and then they will really see him. The resurrection of
Christ actually changed despair to hope and it was then they realised his
divine sonship. And so he continued to calm them.
Jesus never wanted his
followers to be despaired on account of his physical absence. We noticed this
feeling of despair in the small orphan boy whose experiences taught him some
lessons. And so, he promised them that they will not be deserted. Christ never
wanted his disciples to be withdrawn out of their fatherlessness. To be
withdrawn would greatly hinder the good news which needs mobility and great
charisma. They needed not to see anyone as a stranger, but as a possible
convert to the message they were to proclaim. He promised them that another
helper was coming to be with them so that no one will take away that which he
has given them. He had given them faith, truth, courage, love and unity; and
therefore the Spirit of truth would come and remain with them forever. This spirit
has been active in the Church of God till today. Christians must realize that
Jesus never left us orphans. The Spirit of truth is always there with us to
direct, defend, counsel, and help us through the vicissitudes of our Christian life
on earth.
Not long had Jesus
promised his followers the Holy Spirit that the early Christian community
started to experience the wave. In the First Reading (Acts 8:5-8.14-17), we see
the fruits of this same Holy Spirit. This is a proof that Christ promise was
actually fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled. Philip went to Samaria and
proclaimed the good news. This is that same Samaria that was mesmerized by Christ
after the encounter with the Samaritan woman. The Scripture is clear that
Philip exorcised and healed many held who were in bondage, and there was joy
all over the city. They became believers, were baptised and thereupon were
confirmed. The apostles laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit;
that same counsellor promised by Christ. Christ does not only bring God to us,
in the person of the Holy Spirit. He also takes us to God. The Second Reading (1Pet.
3:15-18) makes it vivid to us that Christ death on the cross has the reason of
bringing us to God. So, we must strive to be in the list of those who will
enjoy this journey of faith and love to God.
Christians are never
orphans. The Holy Spirit is with us. We are sure of this. Since we are not
orphans, we must make effort not to neglect those who for no fault of theirs
have found themselves as orphans in the society. It is the wish of God that we
all enjoy love from our fellows here on earth and in heaven. Never indulge in
laying heavy burdens on those who are fatherless. Help them, love them, and
care for them. The cries of the poor are so loud in the ears of God. We must
cease from intimidating and causing pains to the orphans of our society. At
this juncture, we must acknowledge the efforts of those in our society who are
fighting tooth and nail to see that orphans are cared for. We appreciate the
efforts of Reverend Sisters and many Non-Governmental Organizations who have
homes for orphans. Their work is really a noble one. We pray too that
Christians would not contribute in putting children in the condition of being
orphans, or making orphans feel the pains of not having at least one of the
parents. We must help to clean the tears from the eyes of those who suffer in
our society. Christ never leaves us orphans; and so, Christians must really not
leave humanity orphans. We must go to those who suffer, just as Christ says ‘I will come to you’ and not relax at
our comfort zones waiting to be approached by the poor. Leave your comfort
zones and go to those who need your help. In that way, we succeed together. May
God give us the disposition to tap from the riches of divine grace and the
strength to help our neighbours. Amen. I wish you a splendid week ahead. God
bless you.
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