To Be Like Jesus

June 22, 2026

in Spritual Growth

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June 21, 2026

Readings:
Jeremiah 20: 7-13
Romans 5:15b-19
Matthew 10:24-33

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

How many times have we gone through the Cross and Easter and have felt the pain and the love of God. How many of us have truly realized the intensity of His love. We have been blessed with power and authority and yet why do we still live in poverty and lack. We have allowed our minds to focus on the lack instead of a life of abundance. We have been infected by the world’s way of thinking – a world filled with anxieties, unrest, violence. The world system is actually miserable, and many of us have chosen to follow this path. And we are being abused, mistreated and taken advantage of by corrupt government offices, there are these politicians who promise us the moon during campaign period, but when they enter into office, they steal from the people.

When Jesus sent out the disciples to the world, He commissioned them to heal the sick, raise the dead. Today, we are His disciples. He has equipped us to do great things and yet we have chosen to ignore what was given to us. We must remember that God is the source of everything.

The Gospel today tells us that the disciple is not above his master. But do we put God first in our lives or do we put the world system first. We have ignored what God has given us. The world is competing with the things of God, like allowing Sundays to be workdays. And then we wonder why things are the way they are. In the olden days, Sundays were times we went to church. But because man has not put God first, even the malls are open during occasions like Easter. God has empowered us with authority, but we do not use the power and authority given to us by God. We are to be like Jesus. God has blessed us as a people, but have we accepted that? We are to reflect on how much God’s love is, that He would send His only Son to die for us and take away every sin of mankind. John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” God will not reward rebellion, but He will reward those who walk with Him. Matthew 23:8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.” John 14:12 “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”

God has given us so much, but we only think of ourselves. Jesus did everything He did by obeying the Father. He was showing us the way, that it is possible for things to happen if we follow Him. John 15: 7 “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” But we need to be a thankful people. A slave is not above his master. Christ underwent suffering but He never complained. He stood before Pilate. He was mocked and humiliated, but He never fought back. John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.” What bears witness of us? Can the world see Christ in us? Romans 16:17-18 “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. “Has the church been teaching the right things? Luke 6:40 “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

John 10: 27-28 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” God is giving us an opportunity to really listen to Him. We are to be like Him. We are to follow Him.