Homily – Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)
π Readings:
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Exodus 12:37-42
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Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
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2 Corinthians 5:19
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Matthew 12:14-21
π Readings:
-
Exodus 12:37-42
-
Psalm 136:1, 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
-
2 Corinthians 5:19
-
Matthew 12:14-21
π Introduction
Today’s readings unfold a beautiful story of a God who saves, a Messiah who heals, and a community called to be instruments of mercy and justice. In the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Synod on Synodality, we are reminded that freedom is not merely personal escape—it is the beginning of a lifelong pilgrimage of mercy and service.
Today’s readings unfold a beautiful story of a God who saves, a Messiah who heals, and a community called to be instruments of mercy and justice. In the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Synod on Synodality, we are reminded that freedom is not merely personal escape—it is the beginning of a lifelong pilgrimage of mercy and service.
π Transition
A child once said to her mother, “Mom, why does church always talk about freedom but gives me so many rules?” The mother smiled and replied, “Because real freedom is not about breaking all the rules, but about breaking all the chains.”
Our readings today explain this divine paradox: the true freedom God offers.
A child once said to her mother, “Mom, why does church always talk about freedom but gives me so many rules?” The mother smiled and replied, “Because real freedom is not about breaking all the rules, but about breaking all the chains.”
Our readings today explain this divine paradox: the true freedom God offers.
π The Word of God
✅ First Reading – Exodus 12:37-42 (Liberating History):
πExegesis: This passage is part of the Exodus narrative recounting Israel’s departure from Egypt. The figure “about six hundred thousand men” is symbolic of a vast number, signaling a nation-in-the-making. The emphasis is on divine deliverance and the covenantal promise fulfilled after 430 years. The term “night of vigil” (laylah shimmurim) indicates a sacred time of God’s protective oversight.
π Theologically, this is not just history—it is typology of Christian salvation, anticipating liberation from sin. The “night of vigil” is reinterpreted in Christian liturgy during the Easter Vigil, where Christ becomes our Passover Lamb.
✅ Psalm 136 (Enduring Mercy):
π A litany psalm characterized by antiphonal praise—each verse ends with “His mercy endures forever” (ki leolam chasdo). Historically, it recounts acts of divine intervention, reinforcing the memory culture of Israel.
π In the Christian tradition, this psalm is a continuous reminder of anamnesis (sacred memory), crucial for Eucharistic celebration. Remembering is not nostalgia but re-living divine faithfulness.
✅ 2 Corinthians 5:19 (Ministry of Reconciliation):
π Paul’s assertion that “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” situates Jesus’ mission within God’s universal salvific will. The Greek ΞΊΞ±ΟαλλάΟΟΟΞ½ (katalassΕn) denotes both restoration of relationships and renewal of covenantal identity.
π This Pauline theology highlights that our faith is not private but missionary—each believer becomes a “minister of reconciliation,” embodying God’s restorative justice in fractured communities.
✅ Gospel – Matthew 12:14-21 (The Servant’s Gentle Justice):
π This text quotes Isaiah’s Servant Song (Isaiah 42:1-4), emphasizing Christ’s role as the peaceful servant. The passage contrasts two approaches: the violent plot of the Pharisees versus Jesus’ quiet mission of justice.
πMatthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. This narrative challenges modern tendencies toward harshness in religious practice, inviting us to embrace Christ’s method of mercy—healing over condemnation, service over status, mission over maintenance.
✅ First Reading – Exodus 12:37-42 (Liberating History):
πExegesis: This passage is part of the Exodus narrative recounting Israel’s departure from Egypt. The figure “about six hundred thousand men” is symbolic of a vast number, signaling a nation-in-the-making. The emphasis is on divine deliverance and the covenantal promise fulfilled after 430 years. The term “night of vigil” (laylah shimmurim) indicates a sacred time of God’s protective oversight.
π Theologically, this is not just history—it is typology of Christian salvation, anticipating liberation from sin. The “night of vigil” is reinterpreted in Christian liturgy during the Easter Vigil, where Christ becomes our Passover Lamb.
✅ Psalm 136 (Enduring Mercy):
π A litany psalm characterized by antiphonal praise—each verse ends with “His mercy endures forever” (ki leolam chasdo). Historically, it recounts acts of divine intervention, reinforcing the memory culture of Israel.
π In the Christian tradition, this psalm is a continuous reminder of anamnesis (sacred memory), crucial for Eucharistic celebration. Remembering is not nostalgia but re-living divine faithfulness.
✅ 2 Corinthians 5:19 (Ministry of Reconciliation):
π Paul’s assertion that “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” situates Jesus’ mission within God’s universal salvific will. The Greek ΞΊΞ±ΟαλλάΟΟΟΞ½ (katalassΕn) denotes both restoration of relationships and renewal of covenantal identity.
π This Pauline theology highlights that our faith is not private but missionary—each believer becomes a “minister of reconciliation,” embodying God’s restorative justice in fractured communities.
✅ Gospel – Matthew 12:14-21 (The Servant’s Gentle Justice):
π This text quotes Isaiah’s Servant Song (Isaiah 42:1-4), emphasizing Christ’s role as the peaceful servant. The passage contrasts two approaches: the violent plot of the Pharisees versus Jesus’ quiet mission of justice.
πMatthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. This narrative challenges modern tendencies toward harshness in religious practice, inviting us to embrace Christ’s method of mercy—healing over condemnation, service over status, mission over maintenance.
πͺ’ Connection of the Readings
The readings converge on the trajectory of liberation:
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Exodus speaks of historical liberation;
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The Psalm recalls divine faithfulness;
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Corinthians offers a Christological interpretation of reconciliation;
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Matthew personifies gentle justice in Jesus.
Together, they proclaim: God saves to make us agents of justice and mercy.
The readings converge on the trajectory of liberation:
-
Exodus speaks of historical liberation;
-
The Psalm recalls divine faithfulness;
-
Corinthians offers a Christological interpretation of reconciliation;
-
Matthew personifies gentle justice in Jesus.
Together, they proclaim: God saves to make us agents of justice and mercy.
𧩠Reflection Questions
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Am I conscious of the Egypts in my life—places of sin, fear, or injustice where I need liberation?
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Do I recognize and celebrate God’s mercy daily, or do I quickly forget?
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Is my Christian witness defined by harshness or gentleness, by exclusion or reconciliation?
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Am I conscious of the Egypts in my life—places of sin, fear, or injustice where I need liberation?
-
Do I recognize and celebrate God’s mercy daily, or do I quickly forget?
-
Is my Christian witness defined by harshness or gentleness, by exclusion or reconciliation?
π️ Implications for Daily Living: Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality
In the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church invites us to:
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Rediscover freedom as grace, not entitlement.
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Embrace mercy as our common language.
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Practice justice as restorative, not retributive.
The Synod on Synodality calls us to walk together, especially with:
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Bruised reeds (the marginalized, the broken),
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Faintly burning wicks (those on the peripheries),
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Fellow journeyers (those seeking meaning).
A synodal Church is not inward-looking but outward-reaching, embodying God’s merciful justice.
In the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church invites us to:
-
Rediscover freedom as grace, not entitlement.
-
Embrace mercy as our common language.
-
Practice justice as restorative, not retributive.
The Synod on Synodality calls us to walk together, especially with:
-
Bruised reeds (the marginalized, the broken),
-
Faintly burning wicks (those on the peripheries),
-
Fellow journeyers (those seeking meaning).
A synodal Church is not inward-looking but outward-reaching, embodying God’s merciful justice.
π Inspiration & Motivation
Every act of kindness becomes a spark of divine justice. Every forgiving word participates in God’s reconciling mission. Every step towards the wounded mirrors the steps of Jesus, the gentle Servant.
Every act of kindness becomes a spark of divine justice. Every forgiving word participates in God’s reconciling mission. Every step towards the wounded mirrors the steps of Jesus, the gentle Servant.
π Quotes
“His mercy endures forever.” — Psalm 136
“A bruised reed He will not break.” — Matthew 12:20
“We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“A Church which ‘goes forth’ is a Church whose doors are open.” — Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium)
“His mercy endures forever.” — Psalm 136
“A bruised reed He will not break.” — Matthew 12:20
“We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“A Church which ‘goes forth’ is a Church whose doors are open.” — Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium)
π Final Thoughts
The greatest testimony to the world is a Christian who walks in freedom, who speaks mercy, and who practices justice with gentleness. This is the kind of witness that transforms families, heals communities, and renews the Church.
The greatest testimony to the world is a Christian who walks in freedom, who speaks mercy, and who practices justice with gentleness. This is the kind of witness that transforms families, heals communities, and renews the Church.
✅ Conclusion
Today’s liturgy is not just an ancient story—it is a living call. We are the people God frees, the community Jesus reconciles, and the Church the Spirit sends out. Let us embrace this call joyfully and courageously.
Today’s liturgy is not just an ancient story—it is a living call. We are the people God frees, the community Jesus reconciles, and the Church the Spirit sends out. Let us embrace this call joyfully and courageously.
π Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the God who delivers, the God whose mercy endures forever. Free us from all that enslaves our hearts. Remind us daily of Your saving love. Make us ministers of reconciliation and witnesses of gentle justice.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, help us walk together as a synodal Church—listening, accompanying, and healing.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our gentle Savior. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
You are the God who delivers, the God whose mercy endures forever. Free us from all that enslaves our hearts. Remind us daily of Your saving love. Make us ministers of reconciliation and witnesses of gentle justice.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, help us walk together as a synodal Church—listening, accompanying, and healing.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our gentle Savior. Amen.
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