HOMILY FOR HOLY (MAUNDY) THURSDAY with FR. JOHN MGEAHURUIKE, SMMM
Theme: PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY
(Mass of the Lord's Supper, Year A)
Ex 12:1-8.11-14 = Ps 116/2 = Cor 11:23-26 = Jn 13:1-15
At this evening liturgy, we celebrate three great things: The institution of the Holy Eucharist, the institution of the Ministerial priesthood and the Fraternal love in the Christian Community. In the Eucharist, we recall the Paschal Mystery of Christ. This is a new Passover and sacrificial meal of the Christian people, that reminds us of liberation from sin (as was foreshadowed by the liberation of the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt). The Priesthood is meant for the celebration and perpetuation of the Holy Eucharist for us. In the washing of the feet of His disciples, Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, reveals His infinite love to us and INVITES US TO GO AND DO THE SAME. The Gospel ends with an Invitation from Jesus, "I HAVE SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU, SO THAT YOU WILL DO JUST WHAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU" (Jn 13:15). Jesus Christ as the founder of Christianity lived a life worthy of emulation. His lifestyle is informative and transformative. It is attractive and challenging as well. It is so because Jesus Christ didn't just preach well, but He PRACTICED WELL WHAT HE PREACHED. He preached Love, Peace, Justice, Consolation, Poverty of spirit, Humility, Purity of heart, Forgiveness, Prayer, Fasting, Suffering, Healing, Resurrection etc. In truth, Jesus practiced His preaching and teaching. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, raised the dead and consoled the sorrowful. He lived a life of love, peace, humility, forgiveness and holiness. This is just one among other things that distinguished Him from other teachers and religious leaders. Little Wonder Jesus condemned the action of the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees who didn't practice what they preached (Mtt 23:2-3). While telling the crowds to follow only their preaching and never their actions, Jesus described their attitude as hypocritical. Interestingly, Jesus groomed His followers well. This showed in their ability to copy and live out the noble lifestyle of Jesus their Master, even after He has ascended into Heaven. Seeing this imitation of their Master's lifestyle, the Antiochites called them, "CHRISTIANS" (Acts 11:26). In other words, the early followers of Christ (Christians) copied the good example of Jesus by practicing what they preached as well as doing the work their Master Jesus entrusted unto them.. By their fruit we shall know them (cf. Mtt 7:16).This is Christianity in practice, not just in mere words. Such way of following Christ was influential and fruitful in terms of conversion, morality and spirituality. It is the type of "CHRISTIANITY" our age needs. But it is very sad that most followers of Jesus Christ today are far from practicing what they professed and preached. Even many us ordained as ministers of the Gospel are not at our best. We have failed to adhere to Christ's instruction to imitate His example in our service to God through humanity. It suffices to say that our INABILITY TO PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH accounts to an extent for the high level of MORAL AND SPIRITUAL DECAY in the society today. This problem has affected all the facets of the society. Those in charge of the family, Church, School, Agency, Government, and the Society as a whole should wake up to arrest this ugly situation. As heads, leaders and teachers, they have to lead by example. Like Jesus, they should always practice what they preach. They should match their words with actions. They should not just Speak, but ought to live out what they say. This will make people, their subjects to listen to them. Also good manners and discipline will reign. There will be also the fear of God in the society. Dear friends in Christ, today Christ is inviting you and I to join Him in changing the world of sin and corruption by copying His good example of selfless and humble love in service. We can do that by leading examples, not just by preaching, but by practicing what we preach; and witnessing with our lives. As we continue in our reflection, let us ponder on these words of Pope Paul Vl, "MODERN MAN LISTENS MORE WILLING TO WITNESSES THAN TO TEACHERS, AND IF HE DOES LISTEN TO TEACHERS, IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE WITNESSES". Are we just teachers, and not witnesses? How faithful are we to the invitation of Christ to imitate His example ? What will posterity use to remember that we once existed? Like Jesus, what good work are we leaving behind? These and many mind blowing questions call for sober reflection this Solemn Easter Triduum. God bless your family. Happy Holy Thursday and a Spirit-Filled Eastertide ahead!
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