💖 HOMILY - JANUARY 21 💖

First Reading - Hebrews 6:10-20

Gospel - Mark 2:23-28

Life revolves around trust. Every decision we make, every step we take, is founded on an unspoken trust—trust in God’s providence, in others, and in the hope of a better tomorrow. This trust becomes our anchor, giving us the perseverance to move forward, even in the face of life’s challenges. Today’s readings invite us to build an unshakable trust in God, who holds all things in His hands, and to persevere in faith, no matter the circumstances.

The first reading from the letter to the Hebrews draws our attention to the absolute authority and faithfulness of God. The author reminds us of God’s unchanging promise to Abraham—a promise sworn by God Himself, as there is no higher authority. Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promise allowed him to persevere and ultimately inherit the blessings God had in store for him. This same promise extends to us as heirs in Christ. God’s faithfulness is unflinching, and His word is certain. He cannot lie, nor does He fail to fulfill His promises. Therefore, we are called to place our full confidence in Him, trusting that He will guide us through every challenge and fulfill His purpose in our lives.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the rigidity of the Pharisees’ interpretation of the Sabbath. The Pharisees focus on the letter of the law, condemning Jesus’ disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. But Jesus responds with two profound truths. First, the law exists for the good of humanity. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The law is meant to uplift, heal, and restore, not to oppress or burden. Second, Jesus declares His authority over the law as the “Son of Man,” referring to the majestic figure from the Book of Daniel, who is given authority and power by God. By doing so, Jesus reveals that He is the ultimate interpreter of the law, with the power to override it when necessary for the sake of compassion and human need.

These readings challenge us to examine how we live out trust in our lives. Do we trust in God’s enduring promise, or do we allow doubts and fears to overshadow our faith? Do we use the gifts and structures of our faith to uplift and serve others, or do we cling rigidly to rules without understanding their deeper purpose?  

Life is full of ups and downs—moments of joy and sorrow, rejection and acceptance, success and failure. During times of hardship, we are tempted to lose hope, to feel that God has abandoned us. Yet, today we are reminded that God’s promise is unchanging. People may fail us, and situations may disappoint us, but God never does. His promise of a life in Him is steadfast. Trusting in God doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges, but it means that we can rely on Him to carry us through them. He has the authority to reshape our lives, to bring beauty out of brokenness, and to give us the strength to persevere.

Let us take this to heart and resolve to live with unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness. When doubts creep in, let us recall the example of Abraham, who trusted God’s promise even when it seemed impossible. When life’s burdens feel heavy, let us turn to Jesus, who reminds us that the law and all things are meant to serve the good of humanity. And when we feel lost or hopeless, let us anchor our hearts in the truth that God’s promises endure forever.

May God strengthen us to trust Him completely, to persevere in faith, and to remain hopeful in His unchanging promise. Let us always remember that in Christ, we have a God who sees us, knows us, and is always faithful to His word.