Homily for Tuesday of the 15th week in Ordinary time year II July 16 2024

Homily for Tuesday of the 15th week in Ordinary time year II July 16 2024

Isaiah 7:1-9; Psalm 48; Mathew 11:20-24

Jesus expressed disappointment with the cities where He had performed most of His mighty works, as they were neither receptive nor responsive. The extraordinary works of God, which surpass human expectations and capabilities, are intended to communicate His awesomeness and holiness to us. Through His magnificent presence and actions among us, God seeks to draw us closer to Him, for indeed, He is "something more than gold."

Regrettably, these cities chose merely to be entertained by God's mighty works. They failed to be moved in their hearts to abandon their former ways and did not recognize the greatness of God before them. It may surprise us to realize that we too sometimes fail to perceive God's greatness.

Acknowledging God's greatness goes beyond worship; it necessarily involves being drawn to Him. Just as people leave their jobs for better-paying ones, so too should we leave behind our sins and embrace the holiness of God. We do not truly deserve the name "Christians" if we are not attracted to the life of God.

Anything not aligned with God is destined to fail. For this reason, Jesus said to the cities, "You shall be brought down to Hades." Conversely, the responsorial psalm affirms that any city established in God will endure forever. It shall not fail because God Himself does not and cannot fail. This truth was demonstrated in the first reading.

Ahaz and the people of Jerusalem were deeply troubled when they learned that Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah, were laying siege to Jerusalem. They were afraid because they believed they lacked the strength to withstand such formidable forces. However, the Lord assured them through His prophet Isaiah that those who share in the life of God are not orphans and need not battle their enemies with their own strength. Indeed, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Ps. 121:2).

This does not imply that we will not face battles; they will surely come. However, we are assured of victory in the end because it is not in the nature of God's children to lose in the battle against the devil. Beloved, the mighty works of God in our midst are divine weapons freely given to us to conquer the enemy of sin and death. It is only when we responsibly wield these weapons that we will be further strengthened to overcome other spiritual and physical battles.

God bless you all