Homily – Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)

📖 Readings: Genesis 28:10–22a | Psalm 91:1–2, 3–4, 14–15ab | Matthew 9:18–26
Theme: “Surely the Lord is in this Place”

👋🏽 Introduction – When You Feel Alone

My dear brothers and sisters,
Have you ever felt abandoned, unsure of your direction, or far from home—both physically and spiritually?
Today’s readings offer deep comfort and hope.
They remind us that even when we feel alone, God is present, working in hidden and powerful ways.

🏞️ 1. First Reading – Genesis 28:10–22a: Jacob’s Dream at Bethel

Jacob is on the run, afraid of Esau and uncertain of his future.
He falls asleep in the wilderness and dreams of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending.

God speaks to Jacob:

“Know that I am with you. I will protect you wherever you go.”

When Jacob wakes, he says:

“Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it.”

This is a turning point.
Jacob is not just running from fear—he’s walking into God's plan.

Even in his weakness and mistakes, God is with him.

✝️ 2. Gospel – Matthew 9:18–26: Healing and Resurrection

In the Gospel, two miracles happen in one story:

• A ruler’s daughter is dead, and Jesus raises her.

• A woman with a hemorrhage touches Jesus’ cloak in faith and is healed.

Both stories remind us that:

• Desperation can lead to deep faith.

• Jesus meets us in our brokenness.

• God restores what seems lost or hopeless.

Faith opens the way to healing—and to life.

🔗 Connecting the Readings

Jacob felt alone, yet God said, “I am with you.”
A woman touched Jesus in secret, and He called her “daughter.”
A father believed despite death—and Jesus brought life.

These are stories of a God who meets us in hidden places:

• in dreams,

• in sickness,

• in mourning,

• and in faith that dares to hope.

💬 Quote for Reflection

“God walks into your story at the exact chapter where you feel lost.”
– Unknown

✅ Life Application

• When have I thought, “God is not here”—and later realised He was?

• Am I willing to trust Him even when I feel uncertain or alone?

• Do I bring my pain to Him in faith, like the bleeding woman or the grieving father?

🔚 Conclusion – God Is Closer Than We Realise

Dear friends,
We don’t always see angels or hear voices. But today reminds us:
God is with us, even when we feel alone.
He is walking with us, healing us, lifting us, and calling us to new life.

When we wake up to this truth, we too can say with Jacob:

“Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it.”

🙏 Prayer for the New Day

“Lord, I Trust You Are Here”

Lord God,
Thank You for the gift of this new day.
Even when I feel uncertain or distant,
help me to remember: You are near.

Like Jacob, I may not see the ladder or the angels,
but I trust that heaven is close,
and Your promises are real.

When I am weak, protect me.
When I am afraid, guide me.
When I am desperate, remind me: I can still reach for You in faith.

Heal what is broken in me, Lord.
Bring life where hope feels dead.
Walk with me today, and help me to say:
“Surely the Lord is in this place.”

Amen.