Homily for Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II).

Theme: “A Covenant Written on the Heart”

Readings:

  • Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b

  • Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 (Responsorial Psalm)

  • Matthew 13:10–17

Introduction

Have you ever received a WhatsApp message from someone, only to reply and realize they blue-ticked you but never responded? 😄 You start to wonder, “Did they read it? Did they understand it? Or are they ignoring me?”
Now imagine how God must feel when we “blue-tick” His Word—hearing it, but not responding, not letting it take root in our lives. Today’s readings speak directly to this: the challenge of hearing God and responding with faith.

A catechism teacher once asked her class:

“Who broke the tablets of the Ten Commandments?”
One boy raised his hand and said, “Not me, Sister!”
The teacher, confused, told the priest. He said, “If the boy says he didn’t break them, maybe we should just believe him.”
The teacher exclaimed, “Father, I’m talking about Moses!”

Friends, sometimes we miss the point entirely—like the disciples in the Gospel. Today, let us not miss the point!

The Word of God

Exodus 19:1–20 sets the scene of the Sinai Covenant, one of the most defining moments in Israel’s history. God calls the Israelites into a sacred encounter—His presence is revealed in thunder, lightning, and smoke. This is the birth of a people formed by God’s law and love. The people are instructed to prepare for three days, symbolizing purification and readiness. God is forming not just a nation but a covenant community.

The Responsorial Psalm from Daniel 3 is a hymn of praise in the middle of fiery trials. It reminds us that even in adversity, God is worthy of blessing and glory. This psalm frames God's holiness and majesty, resonating with the scene on Mount Sinai.

Matthew 13:10–17 offers a challenge: Jesus explains why He teaches in parables—because many “look but do not see, hear but do not listen or understand.” The disciples are blessed because they desire understanding. Parables are not riddles meant to confuse, but invitations to deeper reflection. They reveal truth to the humble and conceal it from the proud.

Connection of the Readings

Both readings deal with revelation—God reveals Himself at Mount Sinai, and Jesus reveals God’s Kingdom through parables. Yet in both cases, not all are ready to receive this revelation. The people at Sinai tremble but later falter in faith. Similarly, many in Jesus’ time heard His teaching but remained unchanged.

The challenge is not God's ability to speak—it is our willingness to listen and be changed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I actively preparing my heart like the Israelites prepared at Sinai, or do I approach God casually?

  2. When I read or hear the Word of God, do I truly allow it to transform me?

  3. What are the “clouds and smoke” in my life that distract me from God's voice?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality)

The Jubilee Year invites us to return to the heart of our faith—to remember that we are a pilgrim people in covenant with a living God. The Synod on Synodality reminds us that listening is essential. We are called to be a Church that listens to the voice of God, to the cries of the people, and to the Holy Spirit speaking in our midst.

Listening is more than hearing; it is openness to conversion, to change, and to walk together as Church. Let us not be content with being spectators in faith—we must participate.

Inspiration / Motivation

Even in thunder, lightning, and mystery, God still chooses to draw near. And in Jesus, He draws near in the most gentle way—through a parable, a story, a word that waits for fertile soil.

You are not forgotten. You are called. God still speaks—through Scripture, through the Church, through the voice of the poor, and through the quiet stirrings of your soul.

Quote

“God does not shout to be heard—He whispers to be welcomed.” – St. Teresa of Ávila (paraphrased)

Final Thoughts

God wants to meet you today—not on a mountain in smoke, but in the ordinariness of your day: in a whisper, a Word, a moment of stillness. May your heart be like rich soil, ready for His seed.

Conclusion

So today, as we recall the mountain and the mystery, and the whisper of parables—let us not just hear the Word. Let us live it. Let us become the fruitful field, the Church that listens and acts, the soul that burns not in fear, but in love.

Concluding Prayer

Lord God,
You came down on Mount Sinai to speak with Your people,
and in Christ, You walked among us with words of life.
Help me today to not only hear but to listen with my heart.
Make me receptive to Your Word,
ready to be transformed,
and eager to bear fruit in service, love, and truth.

Let the noise of the world be silenced,
so that Your gentle whisper may guide me.

As the Church walks the synodal path,
grant us ears that hear, hearts that understand,
and hands that serve.

Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Homily for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle   🌟 Theme: "Called to Share the Cup: Witness, Sacrifice, and Glory" Readings: First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Psalm: 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 📍 Introduction  A priest was explaining to his catechism class that apostles were not superheroes but ordinary men with extraordinary missions. A little boy interrupted: “Father, if they weren’t superheroes, why did Jesus pick guys with names like James the Greater and James the Lesser? Was that like Batman and Robin?” The class laughed—and the priest chuckled too. “No, my child, it just meant that one was probably older or taller!” This reminds us that God uses ordinary people, not perfect or powerful ones, to do great things—people like James, whose feast we celebrate today. 📖 The Word of God 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 speaks of "treasures in jars of clay"—how the glorious message of the Gospel is carried by fragile, fallible human beings...
Read more
Image
  Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter of Hope and Courage for the Church By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma Photo: Deadline In a moment charged with quiet reverence and global anticipation, the white smoke rose over St. Peter’s Square—Habemus Papam. The conclave of cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the 267th successor of Saint Peter. He has chosen the name Leo XIV , signaling both continuity with the Church’s past and a renewed commitment to mission in our complex and fractured world. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a son of the Americas—North and South. His life has been marked by a deep missionary spirit, intellectual depth, and a pastoral heart. Raised in a devout Catholic family of French-Canadian heritage, he entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, professed his first vows the following year, and was ordained a priest in 1982. Educated at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later awarded a Doctorate in Canon L...
Read more
Image
Homily for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) : 📖 Readings: First Reading : Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 — God provides manna and quail to feed His people in the wilderness. Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 — “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” Gospel : Matthew 13:1-9 — The Parable of the Sower. ✨ “God Provides — Will You Receive?” 👋 Introduction: Today God reminds us of something fundamental: He feeds His people. Whether in the desert or in the Gospel message, God’s care is constant. The real challenge is not whether God provides, but whether we are ready to receive, to trust, and to grow. 😂 Humorous Story: There is a funny story of a man who prayed: “Lord, please give me patience… and I need it RIGHT NOW!” That’s a little like us: we want quick solutions, instant signs, and easy answers. But God, in His wisdom, teaches us to trust His timing and to receive His Word daily, like manna—just enough for today. 📜 Exegesis ...
Read more