Homily – Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time (Year II)

Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Psalm 96; Luke 4:16–30



Introduction

Today’s Word of God brings us face to face with two of life’s hardest realities: death and rejection. St. Paul comforts the Thessalonians who are grieving, reminding them that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. In the Gospel, Jesus experiences rejection in His own hometown of Nazareth. Together, these readings speak to our hearts: in Christ, even grief is transformed into hope, and even rejection becomes an opportunity for fidelity.

Life Story

They say every preacher dreams of a standing ovation. One day a young priest preached his very first homily. After Mass, he nervously asked an elderly parishioner: “So, how was it?” The old man smiled and said: “Well, Father, it was like the peace of God.” The priest beamed: “Ah, deep and inspiring?” The old man replied: “No, son… it surpassed all understanding and endured forever!”
We laugh, but even Jesus, the greatest preacher of all, faced people who didn’t appreciate His words—they wanted to throw Him out!

The Word of God

First Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18):
Paul addresses Christians grieving for their loved ones. He teaches that death is not the end. Because Jesus died and rose, we too shall rise. For the believer, mourning is not despair but hopeful waiting.

Psalm 96:
The psalm bursts with joy: “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.” This justice is not punishment but the fulfillment of God’s loving plan—where sorrow and injustice are overturned.

Gospel (Luke 4:16–30):
Jesus proclaims Isaiah’s prophecy: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” At first, His neighbors marvel. But when He reminds them that God’s mercy is for all, not just for Israel, their admiration turns to anger and rejection. This shows us how challenging true prophecy is—it unsettles comfort zones.

Connection of the Readings

The link between Paul and Luke is hope in the face of loss and opposition. Paul gives hope to the grieving; Jesus shows courage in rejection. Both teach us that being Christian does not remove suffering—but transforms it. Our grief becomes hope, and our rejection becomes fidelity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I grieve as someone who has hope in the resurrection, or do I live in fear of death?

  2. When I am rejected or misunderstood for doing what is right, do I give up or stay faithful like Jesus?

  3. Am I open to God’s justice and mercy, even when it stretches me beyond my comfort zone?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod)

  • As Pilgrims of Hope (Jubilee Year): Let us accompany the grieving with compassion and remind them of the resurrection. Hope is contagious—we are called to spread it.

  • In the Spirit of Synodality: Jesus challenges us to widen the circle, to see outsiders as insiders. The Synod calls us to listen, include, and walk together—even with those who think differently from us.

  • Practical Step: This week, reach out to someone who feels excluded, or visit someone grieving. Bring not only words but presence.

Inspiration / Motivation

Our Christian life is not measured by how much applause we get, but by how faithful we remain when the applause stops. Jesus was rejected, yet He remained steadfast. Paul grieved losses, but he preached hope. You and I are invited to do the same.

Quote

St. Augustine 
“Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are anger and courage—anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.”

Final Thoughts

If you are grieving—take heart, for Christ has conquered death.
If you are rejected—stand firm, for you walk in the footsteps of the Master.
If you feel weary—remember: the Lord comes with justice and mercy.

Conclusion & Concluding Prayer

So, brothers and sisters, let us live as pilgrims of hope, witnesses of resurrection, and companions to the rejected.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are our resurrection and our life. Strengthen us when we grieve, encourage us when we are rejected, and make us joyful witnesses of Your justice and mercy. In this Jubilee Year, may we walk together as a synodal Church—listening, accompanying, and living in hope. Amen.

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