06 June 2025 – Pentecost Triduum Day 3 (7th Week of Easter)

by Rev Fr Martin Arlando

My dear friends, today we reflect on the profound power of CONVICTION. A deep unwavering belief in what is true and right amidst challenges and doubts. CONVICTION is what sustains us in times of doubt, guides us through tough decisions and fuels our commitment to live according to God’s word.

And so our Readings from Acts of the Apostles and John reminds us of men and women who stood firm in their faith and purpose driven by conviction.

Let me illustrate further and on this story about Captain Jim, a seasoned rescue pilot.

One stormy night, Captain Jim received a distress call. A small boat was caught in treacherous waters with lives at stake. And despite the violent weather and the risk that is involved, Captain Jim was convinced that he could reach the stranded crew and save them.

His conviction was rooted in a sense of duty, of love and trust in his skills and equipment.

And as he flew into the storm, doubts tried to creep in.

“Is it worth risking my life?” He thought.

But his conviction kept him focused. He knew that turning back was not an option when lives depended on him. So against all odds, he navigated through the chaos and succeeded in rescuing everyone.

His unwavering conviction made a whole difference.

 

My dear friends, in the First Reading, the Apostle Paul stands firm before King Agrippa, defending his faith and mission despite the opposition. And his conviction in Christ and his calling propelled him forward, unshaken by threats or even imprisonment.

And similarly in the Gospel, Jesus asks Peter three times,

“Do you love me?” 

And each time urging him to reaffirm his commitment. And so Peter’s conviction in Jesus’ love and his calling to shepherd the flock is renewed even after his earlier denial. And Jesus confirms that Peter’s conviction will lead him to be a steadfast leader even unto martyrdom.

And so my dear friends, CONVICTION begins with a deep trust in Jesus Christ, believing in His love, His promises and also our calling. So it sustains us during storms of doubt, of fear or even opposition.

So like Captain Jim or Saint Paul or even Saint Peter, we are called to hold firmly to our faith, trusting that God’s purpose for us is greater than any obstacle.

And so ask yourself today

“What is my conviction?
What am I willing to stand for even when it is difficult?“

Perhaps it is your faith or your integrity or your love for others or your commitment to justice.

But let us prayerfully renew our conviction in Christ so that we may be witnesses of His love and truth in our daily lives.

Let me end with a story.

There was once a  young painter named Samuel who loved art and believed he had been gifted by God to create beautiful works that would inspire others.

So for years, he practiced diligently but he faced many setbacks. Critiques told him his style was too unconventional. His family urged him to pursue a more stable career and give up on his art.

And yet Samuel’s conviction in his calling never waivered.

One day he was invited to participate in a prestigious art exhibition. And as he prepared his best piece ever, a vibrant expressive painting, he knew that some would criticise it and that it might not be accepted by the mainstream people or the artists.

But Samuel believed that his art was a reflection of his faith and his honest expression of what he saw in the world.

And so when the day of the exhibition arrived, Samuel’s painting was displayed among many others. And to his surprise, it caught the attention of a renown art critique who saw in it a depth and sincerity that touched the heart.

The critique’s words echoed Samuel’s conviction. And he said,

“This work speaks to the soul because it is rooted in genuine conviction not just technical skill.”

 

So my dear friends, Samuel’s story reminds us that true conviction comes from a deep trust in our purpose and values. And it enables us to stand firm in our beliefs even when faced with opposition or uncertainty.

And so as followers of Christ, our conviction is rooted in our faith, our firm belief that Jesus is Lord, that His teachings are the path to eternal life.

So when we face challenges, when we face doubts or even pressures to conform, our conviction anchors us. It compels us to act with integrity, to stand up for justice and to love unconditionally.

My dear friends, in the Gospel of John Jesus says,

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

And so our conviction in the truth of this Gospel liberates us and guides us in living authentic lives.

And so my dear friends, I encourage you, each one of you, to nurture your convictions, those beliefs that align with God’s word and call you to live with integrity and love.

Like Samuel, let us be unwavering in our faith, trusting that our conviction will not only shape our lives but also inspire others to seek the truth.

And so my dear friends, may the Holy Spirit strengthen our conviction so that we may remain steadfast witnesses to Jesus Christ.

And like the rescue pilot Captain Jim or Samuel the artist or Saint Paul and Saint Peter, let us be guided by a conviction rooted in love and faith, knowing that with God’s grace we can overcome any storm.

And so as we celebrate this Eucharist, let us pray that we may renew our commitment to God, that we may renew our commitment to Jesus and growing in that love and faith that knowing Christ is with us and for us to grow in that deeper conviction that He will be with us always till the end of time, but for us to choose to be faithful and to listen to His voice.

We pray for this grace during this Mass.

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