Homily – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time



Introduction 
A little boy once asked his grandmother, “Gogo, why do we pray before meals?” She replied, “Because we must thank God.” The boy thought for a moment and said, “But at school, my friend Sipho says his family doesn’t pray, they just eat. Does that mean they don’t thank God?” The grandmother smiled and said, “My boy, some people are like chickens—they eat but never look up.”
(We laugh, but it’s true: sometimes we go through life without lifting our eyes to God, forgetting that He gives meaning, strength, and fire to our lives.)

The Word of God

  • Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10: Jeremiah is persecuted for speaking the truth of God. He is thrown into a cistern, sinking in mud. Yet God delivers him. This shows that fidelity to God often brings conflict, but God never abandons His prophets.

  • Psalm 40:2–4, 18: A cry of thanksgiving—God lifts us out of the pit, puts a new song in our mouth, and gives us courage to trust Him.

  • Hebrews 12:1–4: We are urged to persevere, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for our salvation. Following Him means struggle, but we must resist sin and discouragement.

  • Luke 12:49–53: Jesus declares: “I came to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already blazing!” His mission sets hearts on fire but also causes division—even within families. The Gospel disturbs before it consoles; it challenges before it comforts.

Connection of the Readings

Together, the readings reveal a powerful truth: faith is not cheap. Jeremiah suffers for the Word, Jesus announces a fire that purifies, and Hebrews reminds us to persevere in trials. To be disciples is to embrace courage, fidelity, and sometimes division for the sake of truth. The “fire” Jesus speaks of is the fire of the Holy Spirit—burning away selfishness, injustice, and complacency, and igniting zeal for God’s Kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I willing to stand for truth, even when it costs me popularity or comfort?

  2. What areas of my life need to be purified by Christ’s fire?

  3. How can I help bring unity rooted in truth, even if it means difficult conversations?

Implications for Daily Living in Light of the Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality

  • Jubilee Year: We are called to renewal—allowing Christ’s fire to rekindle hope, joy, and forgiveness in us. The Jubilee is a time to be set free from spiritual mud pits, like Jeremiah.

  • Synod on Synodality: Walking together as Church means being honest, sometimes facing uncomfortable truths, but trusting that the Spirit is guiding us. True communion does not avoid conflict but embraces dialogue rooted in Christ.

Inspiration / Motivation

Christ’s fire is not one of destruction but transformation. If we allow His Spirit to set us ablaze, our families, parishes, and communities will be renewed. We are not meant to live lukewarm, half-hearted lives but to shine with the courage of saints and the perseverance of witnesses like Jeremiah and St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Quote

“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.” — St. Catherine of Siena

Final Thoughts

Being a disciple is not about comfort—it is about conviction. Jesus invites us to burn with passion for justice, love, and holiness. We are called to courage, perseverance, and fidelity, trusting that God will lift us from every pit and put a new song on our lips.

Conclusion

Let us not fear the fire Christ brings. May His Spirit purify us, strengthen us, and unite us as a Church on mission—pilgrims of hope, walking together towards renewal.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
ignite in my heart the fire of Your Spirit.
Give me courage when I am afraid,
strength when I am weak,
and perseverance when the road is difficult.
Help me to stand for truth with love,
to embrace unity rooted in You,
and to be a witness of hope in this Jubilee journey.
Set me ablaze, Lord,
that through my life, others may see Your light.
Amen.

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