Short Homily for Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter – Mass in the Morning

Theme: “Follow Me – Even When You Don’t Understand”
Readings:

• Acts 28:16–20, 30–31

• Psalm 11:4, 5 and 7 – The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

• John 21:20–25

😄 Introduction 

There’s a priest I know who loves to preach — not short homilies, but long, winding reflections. One day, a little girl whispered loudly to her mom during his sermon, “Mama, is this the homily before the real homily?” The priest chuckled — and yes, he shortened it from that day! Today’s Gospel is short but deep, and Jesus gets right to the point: “You follow me.”

📖 The Word of God

In John 21, Peter notices “the disciple whom Jesus loved” and asks, “What about him?” Jesus responds, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.”

Jesus redirects Peter — and us — away from comparisons, gossip, distractions. He calls each of us personally. Like Paul in Acts, under house arrest yet boldly preaching the kingdom, we’re reminded that even in limitation, we are never useless. God’s purpose finds a way.

🍞 Eucharist Moment

In this Mass, we gather like the early Church — sometimes uncertain, sometimes imprisoned by doubt, but always nourished by Jesus himself. Let this Eucharist strengthen us to follow Christ with fidelity, even when we do not see the full picture.

❓ Question for Reflection

Am I distracted by what others are doing, instead of following the path Jesus has uniquely set for me?

🧭 Daily Practical Application

Today, take one step toward your calling — however small. Speak kindly to someone who annoys you. Visit or call a lonely person. Share a verse. Be generous with forgiveness.

💡 For Those Facing Difficulties

You may feel like Paul — confined, sidelined, or stuck. But remember, your life still proclaims the Gospel. Even in quiet suffering, you are a witness.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

Let the Jubilee renew your purpose: return to the basics — Scripture, service, and simplicity. Don’t wait for big stages; let your kitchen table become your pulpit, and your WhatsApp become a channel of hope.

🇿🇦 South African Touch

Our country needs witnesses more than words — young people who walk the Gospel, elders who share wisdom, and communities who serve each other like Ubuntu in action. Your life is a Gospel that someone in Mamelodi or Mthatha might never read elsewhere.

🌟 Inspiration Quote

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you."

🙏 Conclusion & Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
when I’m tempted to compare or complain,
remind me again of your simple call: “You, follow me.”
May I walk behind You today — not always understanding,
but always trusting.

Amen.