Homily: October 18, 2023, Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist (Lambs and wolves)

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"Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves." 

Thousands of years before Jesus’ time, sheep became domesticated. While there still exists very few species in the wild, most sheep will never be able to survive on their own. Their lambs are even more vulnerable. If ever they fall prey to wolves, they will not be able to fight them. They need a shepherd to protect them, to keep them alive.

Then why is Jesus sending his disciples out among wolves? Why send them into danger? 

If we recall Jesus has told His disciples, “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matthew 10, 28)

Did His disciples understand their vulnerability? Should they fear being among wolves which can only destroy their bodies, while they are there preaching to save their souls?

Today's first reading shows us how much danger discipleship faces. St. Paul was often beaten, persecuted, stoned, and went through many fatal experiences in his missionary journeys. He even lost some of his disciples when they left and chose other professions. Luke was the only one there to support and help him. They are sheep facing wolves, but they are never alone.

If we live true to our discipleship and fulfil our duty as evangelizers, we too will face tremendous persecutions and opposition, even danger and life-threatening situations. Other than a few supporters, we might feel alone and weak.

In these moments of vulnerability, we should awaken to the reality that we need our Shepherd, that we should never depend on our own strength but on every word of the Lord, on His providence and grace. He is the only one to trust, the only one to save. At the end of the first reading, St. Paul affirms, "But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength…"

We are indeed lambs in a world of wolves. But no matter how challenging our mission may be, we cannot give up our cause, we just have to learn to remain steadfast in our faith and commitment. Our Lord, our shepherd stands by us, giving us strength.

With faith and the support from our Christian community, we can persevere, and our message of love and hope can shine even brighter in a world which so desperately needs to hear it. So do not fear to preach the word, to walk tall as true disciples. Amen.


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Homily, Wednesday,January 5, 2022, Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

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Homily April 29, Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

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Christmas Homily 2021,

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