DAILY HOMILIES #Gospel passage

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus illustrates why God’s Words do not work for some persons. The seeds sown had the potential to grow, but they needed the soil’s cooperation. Jesus did not work many miracles in his hometown because many did not believe. Instead of changing the seed, we should change the soil, that is, we must believe more.

Samuel tried to identify all the negative aspects of having a king to discourage the elders, but at this point, they were too angry to listen. They said: “We will have a king over us so that we also may be like all the nations.” In moments of failure, we tend to look down on ourselves, our efforts, our religion, or what we have. Stop trying to be like everyone else. You have a unique destiny. If God allowed you to fail, it is for a purpose. Identify the mistake and stop blaming God.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus offered a vivid analogy for these religious leaders. They make everyone believe they are close to God, but in reality, they mounted the most tremendous opposition to God. They are like the first son who said “Yes” to his father, but eventually, his actions betrayed his words. Do my actions betray my promises to God?

Whether we face persecution or not, we cannot escape death and God’s judgment. Malachi reminds us that while evildoers will stumble, those who fear God will rise to eternal life. Our Psalmist declares, “God judges with fairness.” Surely, God cannot be bribed or threatened into delivering false judgment, a phenomenon we are used to in this country.

St. Paul says, “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” This was the same warning God gave to Adam and Eve, but the devil convinced them that they would not die. Many Christians still do not believe they would die if they gratify the desires of their flesh at the expense of obeying God.