Homily: February 23, Wednesday of the seventh week in the Ordinary time

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Preached at Holy Family school mass 

Did you hear what the Gospel reading was about?

Something very exciting and amazing was happening. Let me repeat that part for you:

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name…”

Yes, someone was driving out demons. wow!

Can you imagine, the nasty, violent, fierce and frightening spirits entering a human person, controlling his behaviour and making him talk crazy and look mad. Then came the brave man who used Jesus’s name, called out the evil spirit and freed the poor man. What a hero!

Now tell me, who has greater power?

Is it 1) the evil spirit? 2) the brave man? Or 3) Jesus?

Yes, Jesus is the powerful one, His name alone is strong enough to cast out evil spirits because they fear Him so much because He is God.

We too can do wonderful things, perform miracles and save souls but only if we fulfil these two conditions:

First, we must be friends with Jesus. We must believe in Him and be His followers. Jesus says, “For whoever is not against us, is for us.” We must be on the same side as Jesus.

Second, we must do great things only in Jesus’ name. We don’t have the power, Jesus has. And we don’t do it for our own glory or pride. That will fail. We do what God wants us to do, we do it for God’s glory and so we do it in Jesus’ name.

Only when we are friends with Jesus, follow His teachings and act in His name, we will be able to do amazing, wonderful things. For the good of others and for the glory of God. So, children, let us always learn from Jesus and do what is right. His power will then work through us, ok?

May God bless all of you and grant you the power and strength to be faithful friends of Jesus. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus! Amen.


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