THURSDAY 26th March 2020

THURSDAY 26th March 2020. 

Homily by Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

SCRIPTURE READINGS: EXODUS 32:7-14; 

PS 106:19-23; 

JOHN 5:31-47 

*THEME: Credible leaders*

Dear friends in the Lord Jesus Christ. In my yesterday's homily, I reflected on the pains Mary experienced when people questioned the credibility of her Son Jesus Christ. Similarly The scripture readings today focus on the credibility of leaders.  Specifically in the gospel, we have the Jews questioning the credibility of Jesus as the Messiah or the messenger of God. 

What does it take for leaders to gain the confidence of their people?  There are three important factors that would help to bolster trust and faith in leaders, namely, the integrity of the leader, the purity of his intention, and thirdly, the testimony of others.

With regard to integrity, a leader must be consistent in what he says and does.  In the first reading, we have the bad example of Aaron.  He was not consistent in his faith in Yahweh who led them out of Egypt with signs and wonders.  When the people felt the absence of God and Moses, they went back to their old ways of worshipping idols and even importing the Canaanite gods. 

This could be an easier escape for many of us during this time our faithful are locked from attending Church. Even to us the clergy and religious, we might be tempted to go astray simply because we are used to "the congregation". This we saw happening to the disciples of Christ, after his death, they went back fishing. I pray earnestly that it shouldn't happen to us, instead we should cry out like Peter, " Master, to whom shall we go?", you have the words of eternal life."

Secondly, a leader must have purity of intention in serving his people.  When God saw the people apostatizing, the Lord tested the purity of the heart of Moses.  God wanted to destroy his nation but promised to preserve Moses and his descendants. In return, Moses shows a selfless attitude, instead he pleads for the whole people, he wanted God's power be felt by all so that their enemies may not mock their God. Dear friends, this experience is what your bishops and priests feel today. Everyday when they offer Mass, they think of you, yes, you the flock, so that you may not be lost or destroyed by this covid-19 havoc. As a deacon, participating in daily Mass together with  other priests, I feel the presence of God when the priests take to their deep hearts your intentions and that of the whole world. What other gift could priests offer if not celebrating Mass for you?

Jesus becomes a good example on the purity of heart, all his miracles, he did not to glorify himself, but for the greater glory of God. What a selfless Lord we have.

Thirdly, for a leader to be credible, he must have witnesses.  Jesus as a credible leader and Lord had 5 witnesses, they include; John the Baptist, Heavenly Father, His Mighty Works, Scriptures and Moses. All these testified to the Son of God and was fulfilled in him as the Messiah.

As we reflect on the Lenten theme this week on Leadeship and accountability, I encourage all people mandated through baptism to be leaders and sharers in the office of Christ; namely: kingly, Prophetic and Priestly, that together we may cling to the Cross of Christ. 

As leaders, too, if we want to gain credibility, we need to purify our intentions, which is to serve God’s glory and the good of our people.  It means to live a life of integrity, pure selfless service, seen in our good works and confirmed by a life consistent in what we teach and believe. 

May God remember us as we draw to him through our prayers, fasting and acts of mercy.

Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

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