Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Homily/Sermon)

A New Beginning in Christ



Have you ever wished you could press a “restart” button on life? Sometimes, when things go wrong, we long for a fresh start. Today’s readings remind us that God is always offering us a new beginning.

A child once asked his priest, “Father, if God makes everything new, why doesn’t He make my homework disappear?” The priest smiled and said, “Because He wants to make you new, not just your homework!”

Isaiah speaks of a future where God creates “new heavens and a new earth.” It’s not just about changing the world, but about transforming us from within. God’s renewal is not just an external event but an internal conversion of the heart.

In the Gospel, a royal official approaches Jesus, desperate for his son to be healed. Jesus tells him, “Go, your son will live.” The official believed and went home, only to find that his son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke. His faith led to a miracle.

These readings remind us that:

  1. God is always doing something new in our lives.

  2. Faith is trusting in God’s word, even when we don’t see the results immediately.

  3. When we believe, miracles happen—not just physically, but spiritually.

Every Mass is an invitation to renewal. When we receive Christ in the Eucharist, we are receiving the grace to start afresh, to let go of the past, and to walk in faith.

Question for Reflection

  • What area of my life do I need to entrust to Jesus today?

  • Do I truly believe that God is making things new in my life

When facing challenges, instead of complaining, say: “Lord, I trust You are working something new in me.” Encourage someone who is struggling—remind them that God has not forgotten them.

If you are going through hardship, remember that God’s promise is not just for the future—it is for today. Hold on, because renewal is coming.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Strengthen your faith by trusting in God’s promises.

  • Be an agent of renewal in your family, parish, and community.

  • Spread hope by sharing your testimony with others.

Lent is a journey, and we are Pilgrims of Hope. No matter how difficult the road, God is leading us to something greater.

God is always working, even when we don’t see it. Let us walk in faith, knowing that He is making all things new.

Life is full of ups and downs—just like our beautiful Mzansi. But no matter how tough things get, our God is always in the business of renewal.

Lord, I trust in Your promises. Make me new, strengthen my faith, and help me to see Your hand in my life. Amen.

Inspirational Quote

"Faith is not about seeing first; it’s about believing first and seeing later."

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