Our reliance should be placed unwaveringly in the Lord (Homily for Tuesday of the 12th week in ordinary time year II June 25 2024

Homily for Tuesday of the 12th week in ordinary time year II June 25 2024

Our reliance should be placed unwaveringly in the Lord

In the scriptural narrative, we encounter the Assyrian monarch Sennacherib, who confronts Hezekiah, the ruler of Judah, with a declaration of defiance against the sovereign deity in whom Hezekiah places his faith. Hezekiah responds by laying Sennacherib's derisive missive before the Lord in supplication.

The divine response is swift and unequivocal. Through the prophet Isaiah, Hezekiah is reassured that the braggadocio of the Assyrians is unfounded. Isaiah's prophecies foretell the futility of Jerusalem's siege and the eventual demise of Sennacherib, all of which come to pass.

The lesson for us is clear: our reliance should be placed unwaveringly in the Lord. Those steadfast in their faith are likened to Mount Zion, unmovable and enduring (Psalm 125:1).

In the Gospel of today, our Savior imparts the timeless maxim, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). This 'golden rule' serves as a guiding principle: the benevolence we seek from others is the very benevolence we must extend. Conversely, the harm we wish to avoid should never be inflicted by our own hand.

The pursuit of the kingdom through the 'narrow gate' necessitates a disciplined and restrained life. Adherence to the Lord's precepts and eschewing actions that deviate from His expectations are imperative.

The journey towards eternal salvation is accessible to all, yet its rigorous demands render the path narrow. It is our prayer that we remain committed and seek the grace necessary for self-denial.

We beseech the Almighty to bestow upon us the fortitude to fulfill His divine will consistently and to welcome us into His celestial dwelling through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless you all