Homily – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

📖 Readings: Isaiah 66:10–14c | Psalm 66 | Galatians 6:14–18 | Luke 10:1–12, 17–20
Theme: “Rejoice, Be Sent, and Find Your Peace in Christ”


🌆 1. First Reading – Isaiah 66:10–14c: God Comforts Like a Mother

The prophet Isaiah invites Jerusalem—and us—to rejoice. He speaks of:

  • Peace flowing like a river,

  • A people comforted like a child on its mother’s lap,

  • And God’s tender care for His people.

This is not just a poetic vision. It’s a promise:
Even after pain and exile, God will restore joy and nourish His people.

In a world filled with anxiety and instability, Isaiah reminds us:

God is not only a Father—He also comforts like a mother.

👣 2. Gospel – Luke 10:1–12, 17–20: Sent with Power and Peace

Jesus sends out 72 disciples, two by two, with instructions that are simple and bold:

  • Travel light.

  • Speak peace.

  • Stay with the people.

  • Heal the sick.

  • Proclaim: “The Kingdom of God has come near.”

They return rejoicing—even the demons submitted to them!
But Jesus redirects their joy:

“Do not rejoice because the spirits submit to you.
Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

This reminds us:

  • Mission is about God’s Kingdom, not our success.

  • We don’t need to be flashy—we need to be faithful.

✝️ 3. Second Reading – Galatians 6:14–18: Boast Only in the Cross

St. Paul writes with power and humility:

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

For Paul, it’s not about outward signs or human approval.
It’s about becoming a new creation, shaped by the cross and rooted in Christ.

He even says:

“I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.”
He is wounded by love and mission—and he carries it with joy.

🧩 Connecting the Readings

  • Isaiah calls us to rejoice because of God’s comfort.

  • Luke shows us how Jesus sends us to be bearers of peace.

  • Galatians grounds our joy in Christ alone, not our achievements.

Together, they form this message:

We are called to mission with joy, humility, and deep trust in God.

💬 Quote for Reflection

“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
– Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

✅ Life Application

  • Where is God calling me to be His messenger of peace?

  • Do I measure success by results, or by faithfulness?

  • Do I find joy in God’s love, even when life is hard?

🧎🏽‍♂️ Conclusion – A Mission Rooted in Joy

Dear friends,
Jesus is still sending out disciples today—and you and I are among them.
Let’s walk lightly, love deeply, speak peace, and remember:
Our greatest joy is not in what we do for God, but that we belong to Him.

🙏 Prayer for the Day – “My Joy Is in You, Lord”

Lord Jesus,
Today I thank You for sending me—
not because I am strong, but because You are.

Help me to carry peace into every place I walk.
When I speak, let others hear hope.
When I act, let them see love.
When I grow tired, let me rest in the joy of knowing:
My name is written in heaven.

I will not boast in my talents or achievements—
only in Your cross, which saves and transforms me.

Like a child comforted by its mother,
let me rest in Your care today.
Use me to bring healing, kindness, and courage to those I meet.

Amen.

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