Homily - Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time 

Readings:

  • Malachi 3:13–20a

  • Psalm 1:1–2, 3, 4, 6

  • Luke 11:5–13

Theme:

“Keep Knocking – God Always Answers.”




Introduction:

We live in an age of instant coffee, instant messaging, and instant results. We press a button and expect immediate answers — even from God. But faith is not fast food; it’s a slow-cooked relationship. Today’s readings remind us to keep knocking on heaven’s door with trust, patience, and perseverance.

Life Story:

A little boy once prayed for a new bicycle. After a week with no results, he decided to “help God” — he went to the church, found a statue of Mary, and left a note:
“Dear Jesus, if You ever want to see Your mother again, send me that bicycle!”
We may laugh, but many of us have been there — trying to hurry God’s answers!

The Word of God:

In the first reading (Malachi 3:13–20a), the prophet confronts a people who have grown tired of waiting on God. They complain that evildoers prosper while the faithful suffer. But God reassures them that He keeps a “scroll of remembrance” — meaning He never forgets the faithful. Their perseverance will one day be rewarded like gold refined by fire.

The psalm beautifully contrasts the just and the wicked: the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water — fruitful and flourishing — while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. Faithful persistence roots us deeply in God’s will.

In the Gospel (Luke 11:5–13), Jesus tells a parable of a friend who knocks at midnight asking for bread. Though the door is shut, persistence wins. Jesus then assures: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” He reveals God not as a reluctant neighbour but as a loving Father who delights in giving us His Spirit.

Connection of the Readings:

Both Malachi and Luke point to the same truth: God listens. The difference is not in God’s willingness to give, but in our readiness to trust. Faith matures when we learn to wait with hope. The readings invite us to cultivate spiritual perseverance — not giving up on prayer, on goodness, or on God’s timing.

Lessons for Daily Life:

  1. Don’t stop praying just because you don’t see results. Every prayer plants a seed; some sprout immediately, others take seasons.

  2. Perseverance builds trust. Waiting on God reshapes our hearts to receive better than we imagined.

  3. Be like the persistent friend — not giving up on faith, justice, or love.

  4. God’s silence is not absence. It’s often the space where He is working deepest within us.

  5. The Spirit is the greatest gift. More than what we ask for, God gives us Himself.

Inspirational Thought:

When you knock, and it feels like heaven’s door is closed, remember — God may be preparing you to walk through a greater one. Keep your faith alive. Patience is not waiting passively, but trusting actively.

Quote of the Day:

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” — St. Augustine

Final Thoughts:

Our faith journey is not about getting what we want from God but becoming who He wants us to be. Perseverance in prayer transforms us from seekers of blessings into sharers of His Spirit. Keep knocking; grace is already on its way.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord,
teach me to pray without growing weary,
to trust Your timing when I cannot trace Your hand.
Make my heart steadfast, patient, and open to Your will.
When doors seem closed, give me courage to keep knocking.
Fill me with Your Spirit — the greatest of all gifts —
so that I may live this day in faith, peace, and perseverance.
Through Christ my Lord.
Amen.

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