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

Readings:

  • Ezra 9:5–9

  • Tobit 13:2, 3–4a, 4befghn, 7–8

  • Luke 9:1–6

Theme:

“Restored by God, Sent on Mission.”



Introduction

A parishioner once asked me after Mass: “Father, why does God always choose weak people? Couldn’t He just pick the perfect ones to do His work?” I smiled and said: “If God only chose the perfect ones, we would all be unemployed!”
God delights in taking weak, broken, even sinful people—and restoring them for His mission.

The Word of God

  • Ezra 9:5–9: Ezra prays with deep humility, confessing the sins of Israel. He recognises that God, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, has granted mercy, given them a “stake in His holy place”, and allowed them to return and rebuild. This is not just history—it’s a model of repentance and renewal.

  • Tobit 13: A hymn of praise for God who punishes but also restores, who scatters but gathers again. God’s justice is never without mercy. He restores dignity and invites His people to joy.

  • Luke 9:1–6: Jesus sends the Twelve on mission—without staff, bag, bread, or money. Their strength is not in material security but in trust in the One who sends them. Their mission is urgent: preach the Kingdom, heal, and bring God’s mercy.

Connection of the Readings

  • Ezra shows us a people restored.

  • Tobit teaches us to praise God in restoration.

  • Luke shows us that restored people are sent on mission.
    The pattern is clear: God forgives → God restores → God sends.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I allow God to restore me when I fall, or do I cling to guilt and shame?

  2. Do I live with the trust of the apostles—relying on God’s providence more than on my own securities?

  3. How do I praise God for His mercy, as Tobit teaches us?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee & Synod on Synodality)

  • Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope → Like Ezra’s people, we are pilgrims returning from exile, seeking hope in God’s mercy.

  • Synod on Synodality → Mission is not a solo project. Jesus sent His disciples together. We must walk, listen, and serve as a community, trusting God’s Spirit more than human plans.

Inspiration / Motivation

God is not waiting for perfect saints to do His work. He takes ordinary, broken, forgiven people and makes them His apostles. If He could restore Israel, if He could send the Twelve with nothing but faith, He can use us—today!

Quote of the Day

“God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.”

Final Thoughts

Ezra prayed, Tobit praised, and the apostles went forth. Our call is to do the same: confess, give thanks, and go on mission.

Conclusion & Concluding Prayer

Prayer:
“Lord God, You restore the broken, You heal the sinner, and You send the weak to do mighty works in Your name. Grant that I may trust more in Your mercy than in my strength, more in Your mission than in my comfort. Make me a pilgrim of hope, walking together with my brothers and sisters, carrying only the treasure of Your Word. Amen.”

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