💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 24 💖

First Reading - Ephesians 3:14-21

Gospel - Luke 12:49-53

Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but as part of a community united in faith. Believers, no matter where they come from or what their background is, are called to form one body in Christ. Today's readings remind us that strong faith binds us to Jesus and to each other, and that we find strength in our shared journey as a community.

In the first reading, Paul prays for the Christians in Ephesus, asking that their faith may grow and that Jesus may dwell in their hearts through faith. He also prays for love to flourish among them, so that as a community, they can together comprehend the mysteries of God's love and grace. Paul's prayer highlights two important elements for Christians: personal faith and communal love. These two virtues are interconnected, showing that faith is not just a personal journey but one that thrives within the loving support of a community.

In the Gospel, Jesus presents challenging imagery—fire, baptism, and division—to illustrate the reality of faith. The image of fire, often associated with God’s judgment, points to the final separation of believers from unbelievers at the end of time. The baptism Jesus speaks of refers to His own suffering and death, which He must endure before God's final judgment. And the division He describes is the inevitable conflict between those who follow Him and those who reject Him, even within families.

The message of the Gospel is clear: faith in Jesus will bring challenges and division. Following Jesus may lead to rejection by others, but it also promises eternal reward for those who remain faithful. The passage reminds us that faith is demanding—it may require sacrifice, and it will certainly test our resolve. Yet, we are not alone in this journey. Jesus himself endured suffering for our sake, and His example encourages us to persevere in our faith.

Dear friends, faith in Jesus is not always easy. It brings opposition and challenges, just as it did for countless saints who remained steadfast in their faith despite persecution and suffering. Today’s Gospel challenges us to reflect: Do we stand firm in our faith, or do we waver when faced with difficulties? Are we tempted to step away from Jesus when life becomes hard, or do we stay by His side, trusting in His promise of eternal life?

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians reminds us that we do not walk this path of faith alone. We are part of a community, and it is through the prayers and support of our fellow believers that we can remain strong in faith. Just as we receive encouragement from our community, we are also called to support others who may be struggling in their faith. We are to pray for one another, helping each other remain rooted in Christ.

Let us commit to standing firm in our faith, knowing that the reward of eternal life is certain for those who remain faithful to Jesus. And let us remember that in our Christian journey, we are called to walk together as a community of love, supporting and praying for one another, so that we may all experience the fullness of God’s grace.