HOMILY FOR THE 14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C: THE JOY OF BEING GOD’S INSTRUMENTS.
The Joy of Following Christ
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, our readings light up with a powerful message: joy, peace, and a clear call to action. They invite us to think about what it truly means to follow Jesus, to be sent out into the world, and to find deep joy in being part of God’s amazing plan.
God’s Big Hug of Joy and Peace
First, Isaiah shows us God’s incredible comfort:
“For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent” (Isaiah 66:12).
- Imagine a river overflowing with blessings! This is God’s huge love and the peace He wants to pour into our lives. It’s like a warm hug from a mother: “as a mother comforts her child” (Isaiah 66:13).
- This joy isn’t just for us to keep; it’s the fuel for our mission. It’s the inner strength that makes us want to “shout joyfully to God, all you lands; sing praise to the glory of his name” (Psalm 66:1-2).
“Boasting in The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ“
Saint Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, tells us that our mission isn’t about showing off our own achievements. It’s all about Jesus’ Cross. He says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).
- The Cross isn’t a symbol of defeat; it is our motive to live our mission with joy, courage and confidence to make Christ known to others.
- It is the sign of Christ’s victory over sin, death and the devil, and our source of joy, knowing that Christ has gained for us salvation and a new life.
Jesus Sends Us Out like the 72 Disciples
In Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus in action. He doesn’t just send the twelve apostles; He sends out seventy-two disciples, “two by two, ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to come” (Luke 10:1).
- This shows us that the call to share the Good News isn’t just for a few special people; it’s for many, better yet, for all Christians for by virtue of our Baptism, we are conformed to Christ!
- Their instructions were simple but tough: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way” (Luke 10:4).
- They had to trust God completely and rely on others.
- Their job was to bring peace (“Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household’” – Luke 10:5), heal the sick, and tell everyone that God’s Kingdom was near.
Jesus also warned them about tough times. But He reminded them that their greatest joy wasn’t in their success or fame. It was something much deeper:
- Our Lord said: “Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). This is the real, lasting joy of being a disciple – knowing that we belong to God, He counts on us, and our future with Him is secure.
- In our life as Christ’s instruments, we will face difficulties and obstacles. Nevertheless, these will surely disappear sooner or later and the hope of an eternal happiness with God in heaven awaits us. In face of suffering, let us remind ourselves: “What does it matter to suffer for ten years, twenty, fifty… if afterwards there is heaven for ever, for ever… for ever? And above all — rather than because of the reward, propter retributionem — what does suffering matter if we suffer to console, to please God our Lord, in a spirit of reparation, united to him on his Cross; in a word: if we suffer for Love?” (Saint Josemaria, The Way, no. 182)-
Heroes of Faith: Trusting God Through History
During the early the 6th and 7th centuries, Irish monks went on “pilgrimages for Christ” to spread Christianity sometimes sailing off in small boats with no idea where they were going!
Abandoning their families and comfortable lives, these journeys were often lifelong, with monks traveling in groups of twelve, like Christ and his disciples, and emphasizing self-denial, including walking everywhere.
They established monastic communities in France and Italy, contributing significantly to the spread of Celtic Christianity. St. Columbanus with his companions are among the prominent figures of this movement.
- They trusted God completely. They carried very little, relying on the kindness of strangers, and spread the Gospel across Europe, building churches and schools.
- Their mission wasn’t about getting rich or comfortable; it was about sharing Christ’s peace and light. Their joy came from their strong faith and dedication to God, even when things were uncertain.
Saints: Living the Message
Saints throughout history have echoed this call to mission and joy.
To Saint Francis of Assisi the following quote is attributed, “Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.”
- This means our lives, our actions, and just being ourselves can powerfully share the Gospel, even before we say anything. It’s about living and showing Christ’s peace and love in everything we do.
In our modern times, Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, taught that everyone is called to be holy and to share faith in their everyday lives. This means our mission isn’t just for big events or faraway places.
- In our daily life, our ordinary activities, our work, family and social life, our rest, our joys and sufferings, we are called to seek, find, and love God and bring our friends closer to Him, being sowers of peace and joy.
Pope Francis: Get Out There!
Pope Francis wrote that “Let us go forth, then, let us go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ.” He said that he prefers “a Church which bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49).
- “Jesus is calling you and sending you forth to spread goodness in our world. His call is one of service, a summons to do good, perhaps as a physician, a mother, a teacher or a priest. Wherever you may be, you can hear his call and realize that he is sending you forth to carry out that mission. He himself told us, “I am sending you out” (Lk 10:3). It is part of our being friends with him. For this friendship to mature, however, it is up to you to let him send you forth on a mission in this world, and to carry it out confidently, generously, freely and fearlessly. If you stay trapped in your own comfort zone, you will never really find security; doubts and fears, sorrow and anxiety will always loom on the horizon. Those who do not carry out their mission on this earth will find not happiness, but disappointment. Never forget that Jesus is at your side at every step of the way. He will not cast you into the abyss, or leave you to your own devices. He will always be there to encourage and accompany you. He has promised, and he will do it: “For I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20) (Pope Francis, Dilexit nos, no. 215).”
Our Turn: Be Instruments of Christ’s Love
Dear brethren in Christ, Christ is sending us out today to be his instruments of love, mercy and kindness.
- Our mission field could be our home, our job, our school, or our neighborhood.
- We are called to bring peace, to help heal, and to show others God’s Kingdom is here.
- Like the first disciples, we need to trust God, rely on His plan, and share the Good News not just with words, but with our prayers, friendship and good example.
- “In your own way, you too must be a missionary, like the apostles and the first disciples of Jesus, who went forth to proclaim the love of God, to tell others that Christ is alive and worth knowing…Each of us must carry it out in his or her own way; you will come to see how you can be a missionary. Jesus deserves no less. If you accept the challenge, he will enlighten you, accompany you and strengthen you, and you will have an enriching experience that will bring you much happiness. It is not important whether you see immediate results; leave that to the Lord who works in the secret of our hearts. Keep experiencing the joy born of our efforts to share the love of Christ with others. (Pope Francis, Dilexit nos, no. 216).”
Let’s embrace this call with courage and joy! Remember, our deepest joy comes from knowing our names “are written in heaven” and from sharing God’s endless love with everyone we meet. Let’s go forth, filled with Christ’s peace, and truly be faithful instruments for His Kingdom.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, who sends us out to share and spread your Kingdom. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so we can bring your peace and healing to the world. Give us the courage to trust you, the humility to serve, and the constant joy that comes from knowing we are yours. Help us to show your love, so that everyone may know you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Blessed Sunday and week to all,
Fr. Rolly Arjonillo
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Thanks and God bless you and your loved ones! Fr. Rolly Arjonillo.
