Short Homily – Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter (2025)

Theme: “Obedient to God Rather Than to Human Beings”
Readings: Acts 5:17–26 | Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9 | John 3:16–21
Jubilee Year Focus: “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5)


🌅 Today’s readings present us with two bold truths:

  1. God’s love is so deep that He gave His only Son for our salvation.

  2. When that love takes root in us, we are no longer afraid to stand for what is right, even when others resist or threaten us.

😊 We know what it means to stand up when the pressure says, “Sit down.” We know the courage of those who resisted injustice. As Christians, our courage doesn’t come from anger—it comes from knowing that the light is stronger than the darkness, and that truth cannot be silenced.

📖 In John 3:16–21, Jesus gives us one of the most powerful lines in Scripture:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son...”
But He doesn’t stop there—He also tells us that some will prefer darkness to light. Why? Because light exposes truth. And truth demands change.

In Acts 5, the apostles are arrested for preaching Christ. But even after being locked up, an angel of the Lord sets them free—not just from a prison cell, but from the fear that holds so many back.
They go straight back to the temple and preach again.

"We must obey God rather than human beings.”

✝️ The Eucharist is our encounter with the love that sent Jesus into the world. It is here we receive the courage to be people of the light—people who speak truth, choose justice, and share mercy.

❓ Question for Reflection

What voices am I listening to more than God’s voice?
Where am I being called to step into the light, even if it’s uncomfortable?

🛠️ Daily Practical Application

  • Speak the truth gently but clearly when it’s needed today.

  • Encourage someone who is afraid to take a stand for what is right.

  • Be a small light in your home, workplace, or parish through honesty, service, and love.

💔 You may feel trapped today—by fear, grief, or pressure. But know this: the same God who sent angels to open prison doors is still opening hearts, minds, and paths forward. Do not be afraid. Light always wins.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Support someone who is isolated or struggling to find their voice.

  • Be an agent of healing in your family or church.

  • Choose to be faithful in small things—God multiplies faithfulness.

🇿🇦 We are a people who understand struggle. But we are also a people of light.

Let us not be discouraged by corruption or darkness around us.
Let us be apostles of truth, walking freely and boldly in the light of Christ.

💬 Inspiration Quote

“Faith in action may get you into trouble—but it always brings you closer to freedom.”

🧭 As Pilgrims of Hope, we follow Christ into places where truth is needed, not because it is safe, but because it is good. And in doing so, we help others find their way to the light.

🙏 Lord Jesus, Light of the world,

Help me to choose the light today.
Give me courage to obey You above all else,
and wisdom to walk in truth with love.
Let my life be a reflection of Your mercy,
especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
Amen.

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