Homily – Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)

📖 Readings: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67 | Psalm 106:1b–2, 3–4a, 4b–5 | Matthew 9:9–13
Theme: “God Prepares the Path for Those Who Walk in Trust”


👋🏽 Introduction – God in the Ordinary Journey

Sometimes, God's most powerful work is not loud or dramatic—but quietly unfolding in our daily life: in grief, in waiting, in the tasks we carry out faithfully.

Today’s readings reveal a God who guides behind the scenes, who prepares and provides, and who calls us forward—not when we are perfect, but even when we are broken or overlooked.

Whether we find ourselves at a crossroads like Abraham, in mourning like Isaac, or feeling unworthy like Matthew, the same truth applies:

God sees. God calls. God leads.

🌾 1. First Reading – Genesis 23–24: God Provides Through the Journey

Abraham buries Sarah with dignity in a land not his own, and then sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. That journey—full of trust and prayer—leads to Rebekah.

Notice: there’s no miracle or lightning bolt, but there’s faith, patience, prayer, and providence.

  • Abraham trusts God’s promise, even in sorrow.

  • The servant prays before acting.

  • Rebekah responds with courage and becomes part of the covenant story.

When we walk in faith—even in small things—God opens doors we couldn’t see before.

👣 2. Gospel – Matthew 9:9–13: Jesus Sees and Calls

Jesus sees a tax collector—a man many saw as a traitor—and says:

“Follow me.”

No conditions. No lecture. Just a call.
And Matthew rises and follows.

This is the mercy of Christ:

  • He invites the sinner, not the already righteous.

  • He meets us at our table, not just at the altar.

  • And He wants hearts of mercy, not empty religious performance.

When Jesus says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,”
He’s reminding us: real holiness reaches out.
It sees others with compassion—not condemnation.

🔗 Connection Between the Two Readings

In both stories, God works through simple faith and small steps:

  • A servant goes to find a wife.

  • A sinner is invited to become a disciple.
    No dramatic signs—but a quiet unfolding of God’s purpose.

This is how God often works in us too.

✅ Practical Reflection

  • Have I prayed about my daily steps the way Abraham’s servant did?

  • Have I opened my life to God’s unexpected invitations—like Matthew did?

  • Am I choosing mercy over judgment in how I see others today?

💬 Quote for Reflection

“Holiness is doing God’s will with a smile—even in ordinary things.”
– St. Teresa of Calcutta

🔚 Conclusion – Trust the Quiet Guidance of God


If your life feels slow, hidden, or full of unanswered questions, take courage.
You may be exactly where God is preparing something new.

Abraham buried his beloved, but also planted roots in the promised land.
Matthew left his desk—but gained a mission.
And you and I—if we are willing—can hear God’s invitation today.

So walk forward, even if you only see one step.
And let God prepare the rest.

🙏 Prayer

“God of the Journey, Walk With Me Today”

Lord God,
Thank You for this new day, and for the quiet ways You walk with me.
Even when I grieve or feel uncertain, You are there—
guiding, providing, preparing what I need next.

Like Abraham’s servant, help me to pray before I act.
Like Rebekah, help me to respond with courage.
Like Matthew, help me to rise when You call.

Today, I want to follow You—not with words only,
but with my feet, my heart, and my life.

Teach me mercy over pride.
Remind me that You call the sinner, not the perfect.
And show me how to honour You in every step of today’s journey.

Amen.

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