Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149; Luke 9:7-9):

Theme:

“Building God’s House Before Our Own”




Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters, today’s Word is a gentle but firm nudge from the Lord. Through the prophet Haggai, God reminds His people that while they were busy decorating and upgrading their own homes, His house remained in ruins. The Gospel then shows us Herod, restless and curious about Jesus, yet unwilling to change. Both readings point us to one truth: we cannot neglect God while expecting peace in our own lives.

Life story

Someone once said: “We spend thousands on building kitchens but don’t have time to cook. We buy big TVs but no longer sit together as a family. We upgrade our homes but sometimes downgrade our souls.” That’s exactly what Haggai is challenging—our mixed-up priorities!

The Word of God

  • Haggai 1:1-8: The prophet speaks to the returned exiles, reminding them that while they have rebuilt their own paneled houses, God’s Temple is still in ruins. Their struggles—poor harvests, empty purses—are linked to their neglect of God’s dwelling. The message is clear: if God’s house is in order, our own houses will be blessed.

  • Psalm 149: The psalm sings of joy and victory, praising God as King who delights in His people. When we give God His rightful place, there is joy and strength.

  • Luke 9:7-9: Herod hears of Jesus and is disturbed. His guilty conscience about John the Baptist leaves him uneasy. He is curious but not committed. Unlike the people of Haggai’s time who were called to rebuild, Herod remains spiritually stagnant.

Connecting the Readings

Both Haggai and the Gospel highlight misplaced priorities: the exiles focus on their comfort while neglecting God; Herod focuses on curiosity without repentance. Both are reminders that if God is not at the centre, we lose our way.

Practical Applications

  1. Examine priorities: Am I more concerned about my image, possessions, or comfort than about God’s presence in my life?

  2. Rebuild God’s house: This is not just about the physical church but also the “temple” of our hearts, families, and communities.

  3. Move from curiosity to commitment: Like Herod, many hear of Jesus but never take the step of conversion. Faith is not about curiosity—it’s about surrender.

  4. Live joyfully: Psalm 149 calls us to rejoice because God delights in us. Holiness is not drudgery; it is life-giving joy.

Quote of the Day

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)

Inspiration

My friends, we are in the Jubilee Year and walking with the Synod on Synodality. This is God’s time to help us rebuild the “temple” of the Church—not of stone but of relationships, prayer, and mission. If we place God first, He will bless the rest.

Final Thoughts

God is not asking us to neglect our needs, but to trust that when we put Him first, everything else falls into place. Rebuilding His house—our faith, our families, our Church—is the surest way to peace and fruitfulness.

Short Prayer

Lord, help me to put You first in my life today. May I not neglect Your presence in my heart, my home, and my Church. Give me the courage to rebuild what is broken, the joy to praise You always, and the wisdom to live with right priorities. Amen.

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