Homily for Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Readings: Judges 6:11-24a; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 19:23-30)



Introduction 

A little boy once prayed, “Lord, please make me rich—at least enough so I don’t have to depend on my parents anymore.” His father overheard him and said, “My son, even if you’re rich, you’ll still depend on God!” The boy paused and replied, “Okay, Lord, just make me rich enough to depend on You… with style!”

The Word of God

  • Judges 6:11-24a – Gideon feels small and unworthy: “My clan is the weakest… I am the least in my family.” Yet God calls him a “mighty warrior” and promises to be with him. God’s strength shines most through our weakness.

  • Psalm 85 – God’s peace and salvation are near. Justice and peace will embrace, reminding us that His presence transforms brokenness into harmony.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Paul reminds us of the paradox of Christ: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich.”

  • Matthew 19:23-30 – Jesus warns of the danger of riches in entering the Kingdom. Yet, He promises that those who give up everything for His sake will receive a hundredfold and eternal life.

Connection of the Readings

All the readings carry a single truth: real wealth is not in possessions, but in God’s presence.

  • Gideon was “poor” in self-confidence, yet God’s presence made him strong.

  • Christ emptied Himself to enrich us with grace.

  • Jesus invites us to let go of attachments that hinder our relationship with Him and promises abundant blessings in return.

Reflection Questions

  1. Like Gideon, do I sometimes feel too small or unworthy for God’s call?

  2. What riches (material or emotional) might be preventing me from trusting fully in Christ?

  3. How can I become “poor in spirit” so that Christ may make me truly rich?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synodality)

  • Jubilee Year: A time to detach from what enslaves us and rediscover freedom in God’s grace.

  • Synodality: Walking together means sharing—our time, gifts, and even material possessions—so that no one in the community feels abandoned.

  • The readings challenge us to lift up the poor, to rely on God’s providence, and to treasure the riches of communion, mercy, and justice.

Inspiration / Motivation

  • If God could take Gideon—the weakest in his clan—and make him a liberator, He can also use our littleness for great things.

  • To be poor with Christ is to be rich in love, rich in peace, and rich in hope.

Quote

“Christ is the true wealth of the poor, and the poverty of Christ is the true wealth of the Christian.” – St. Augustine

Final Thoughts

God calls us to trust, not in the false security of wealth or status, but in His abiding presence. Like Gideon, we may feel small. Like the disciples, we may feel it’s impossible. But Jesus reminds us: “For God, all things are possible.”

Concluding Prayer

Lord, make me rich in Your grace, even if I am poor in the eyes of the world.
Teach me to let go of what holds me back,
so that like Gideon I may find courage,
and like the disciples I may follow You freely.
May my life reflect Your justice, peace, and mercy,
and may I find true riches in serving You and others.
Amen.

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