Homily for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Readings 📖

  • First Reading: Acts 13:13-25

  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

  • Gospel: John 13:16-20



Introduction 🙏

Good morning, brothers and sisters in South Africa! Today’s readings remind us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, guiding us through the diverse and vibrant paths of our Rainbow Nation. Whether in the bustling streets of Johannesburg, the coastal beauty of Cape Town, or the quiet hills of KwaZulu-Natal, His love leads us with purpose, even when life feels like a challenging journey.

😄

A priest in Durban once told me about a parishioner who got lost driving to a church braai in the Drakensberg. He trusted his GPS, only to end up on a dirt road surrounded by curious goats, looking at him like he was their next meal! Frustrated, he called the parish, and the priest laughed, saying, “Bru, you followed a gadget, but now listen to my voice to find the way!” Just like that, we sometimes follow the wrong signals—maybe load shedding or bad advice—but Jesus, our true GPS, calls us back to His path.

The Word of God📜

The Gospel from John 13:16-20, set during the Last Supper, shows Jesus teaching humility after washing the disciples’ feet: “No slave is greater than his master, nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.” The Greek word doulos (servant) calls us to total commitment to God’s will, a powerful reminder in a country where ubuntu—our shared humanity—echoes Christ’s call to serve. Jesus’ mention of betrayal (Judas) assures us that God’s plan triumphs, even through human failure. In Acts 13:13-25, Paul traces God’s faithfulness from Israel’s history to Jesus, the promised Saviour. For South Africans, this resonates with our journey through hardship to hope, trusting Jesus’ leadership in our diverse nation.

Daily Application 🌟

In Mzansi, servanthood means living ubuntu—helping a neighbour in Soweto, sharing a meal in Khayelitsha, or forgiving a colleague in Pretoria. These small acts reflect Jesus’ humility and build community. When we feel lost in life’s challenges, like economic struggles or division, Jesus guides us back to His purpose, just as He did for the early disciples.

Message for Those Encountering Difficulties 🤗

To those facing struggles—be it unemployment, family tensions, or the weight of inequality—Jesus walks with you. He’s not a distant guide but a Shepherd who knows your name, carrying you through storms, whether in the townships or rural villages. Your challenges are not the end; they’re part of God’s greater plan for you and our nation.

💪

Let’s draw inspiration from Jesus’ servanthood and South Africa’s spirit of resilience. Every kind act, every moment of trust in God, strengthens our communities and makes us more like Christ. You’re not alone—Jesus leads, and His love unites us all, from Limpopo to the Western Cape.

Quote of the Day 🗣️

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

Let us pray: 🕊️

 Loving Shepherd, guide us across South Africa’s beautiful land. Help us serve one another with ubuntu, trust Your path through hardships, and strengthen those who struggle. Unite our nation in Your love. Amen.

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