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

Theme: “Faith in the Fire: Growing Strong in Times of Trial”

📖 Readings for the Day:

  • First Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 – The Israelites are oppressed in Egypt.

  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8 – “Our help is in the name of the Lord.”

  • Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.”

  • Gospel: Matthew 10:34—11:1 – “I have not come to bring peace but the sword.”


📌 Introduction: Suffering and the Call to Courage

Today’s readings remind us that following God is not always a smooth journey. There are seasons when God’s people are oppressed, misunderstood, or persecuted—not because of sin, but precisely because of their faithfulness to God.

Our challenge is to remain faithful, to grow stronger, and to see oppression not as defeat, but as an opportunity for God to reveal His power.

🧎 1. First Reading – Exodus 1:8-14, 22: Oppression Cannot Crush God’s People

The Israelites found themselves in a land where a new king “who knew nothing of Joseph” arose.
Fear of the growing Hebrew population led Pharaoh to enslave them brutally. Yet, the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied.

📌 Lesson: Evil may try to crush God's people, but it cannot stop God’s promises. Affliction often becomes the soil where faith deepens and nations are born.

🎶 Psalm 124: The Lord Is on Our Side

Psalm 124 reminds us:

“If the Lord had not been on our side… they would have swallowed us alive.”

It is the Lord who rescues us from the flood, the trap, and the enemies who pursue us.
📌 Even in suffering, we declare: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

✝️ 2. Gospel – Matthew 10:34—11:1: A Sword, Not Peace

Jesus says plainly:

“Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword.”

This “sword” is not violence, but the dividing line between truth and falsehood, light and darkness.
Following Jesus may cause division, even in families, because truth is uncomfortable.
But Jesus calls us to love Him above all and assures us:

“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

🔗 Connecting the Readings

From Egypt to Galilee, from Moses to Jesus, the story of God’s people teaches us:

  • Oppression does not stop God’s work.

  • Suffering may come, but God delivers.

  • True faith will cost us something, but it leads to freedom, life, and joy in Christ.

💡 Life Reflection Questions

  • Do I expect an easy life because I follow Christ, or am I willing to carry my cross?

  • In today’s trials, can I trust God to bring new life from my difficulties?

  • Am I standing firm in faith, even when the world around me opposes it?

💬 Conclusion Thought

“The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.” – Tertullian

🙏 Concluding Prayer

Lord God,
when fear surrounds me, remind me that You are my help.
When oppression rises, teach me to trust in Your saving power.
When I face divisions for standing with You, give me the strength to remain faithful.

Like the Israelites in Egypt, help me grow even in hardship.
Like the apostles, help me follow You wherever You lead—without fear, without compromise.
Bless me with courage, joy, and a heart that always says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord.”

Walk with me through today, Lord, and let my life be a witness to Your unchanging love.

Amen.

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