MONDAY HOMILY OF 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: WHEN FAITH MEETS SUFFERING
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Jeremiah 13:1-11, Deuteronomy 32:18-21, John 11:19-27
Today, we celebrate the memorial of three beloved friends of Jesus: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Their story (John 11:19–27) offers us a powerful reminder that our relationship with Jesus is not a guarantee against pain and suffering but rather a source of strength and hope in the midst of it.
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The Garcias were a devout Catholic family: John, Maria, and their kids, Sophia and Jack. They attended Mass every Sunday, prayed the Rosary together, and trusted in God’s plan. But one day, their world was shaken when Sophia, just 16, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Maria cried out to God, “Why our child, Lord? We’ve always been faithful!” John felt helpless, wondering if their prayers hadn’t been enough. Jack, only 12, struggled to understand why his sister had to suffer.
As they navigated this trial, their parish priest, Father Mike, prayed with them, offering the comforting presence of Christ through the sacraments and his ministry. With compassion and candor, he shared a profound truth: “Faith isn’t a magic shield that keeps us from pain, but a lifeline that connects us to God’s love and strength. Just as Jesus suffered on the cross, we too will face our own crosses. But he’s always with us, carrying us through.”
The Garcias clung to this truth, praying fervently, receiving the Sacraments, and trusting in God’s goodness. They found comfort in the Communion of Saints, especially Saint Peregrine, the patron of cancer patients.
As Sophia underwent treatment, the family faced many dark days, but their faith became a beacon of hope. They saw God’s love in the kindness of medical staff, the support of their community, and the resilience of their family bond.
Through this journey, the Garcias discovered that faith wasn’t a shield against suffering but a lifeline that connected them to the divine. They experienced God’s presence in their pain, His comfort in their sorrow, and His strength in their weakness. Their faith deepened, and they emerged more united, more compassionate, and more trusting in God’s plan.
Martha’s words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21), reveal her faith and relationship with Jesus. It also echoes the sentiments of many who have faced loss and tragedy. Yet Jesus’ response, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), assures us that He is not a distant observer but an intimate companion in our struggles.
As we contemplate the lives of these saints, Jesus reminds us that our relationship with Him is not a guarantee of comfort or immunity from normal human realities but a promise of transformation. Through our struggles, Jesus connects us to the divine, drawing us into a deeper union with Himself. He transforms us into vessels of His grace, empowering us to embody His love and mercy in a world in need.
May the testimony of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, as well as the story of the Garcia family, inspire us to embrace our own crosses with faith and hope. May we cling to Jesus, our lifeline in times of struggle, and trust in His promise of transformation. May we become beacons of His love and mercy, shining brightly in a world that often struggles to find light in the darkness.
When we cry out to God, as Martha did, may we hear Jesus’ gentle response: “I am the resurrection and the life.” May we experience His presence in our pain, His comfort in our sorrow, and His strength in our weakness. May our faith be the anchor that holds us fast, the compass that guides us through life’s journey, and the fire that burns within us, illuminating the path to eternal life. Amen.
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