💖 HOMILY - MARCH 31 💖

First Reading - Isaiah 65:17-21

Gospel - John 4:43-54

A young boy was diagnosed with a serious illness, and his father desperately searched for a cure. He visited doctor after doctor, hoping for a miracle. Finally, after exhausting all options, he found a specialist who assured him that there was hope. The father placed his trust in the doctor’s words, and in time, his child was healed. This story mirrors the faith that Jesus calls us to in the Gospel today—a faith that believes in His power even before seeing the results.  

Isaiah’s words offer a vision of newness and restoration. God declares that He is creating a new heaven and a new earth, a place where suffering and pain will no longer define people’s lives. This is not just a future promise—it is an invitation to live in hope today. In practical terms, it challenges us to embrace new beginnings, leaving behind bitterness, despair, and anything that holds us back from experiencing the joy that God desires for us. 

The Gospel presents a man who takes this message of hope to heart. A royal official, desperate for his son’s healing, seeks out Jesus. When Jesus tells him, “Your son will live,” the man does not demand proof or question the words—he simply believes and goes on his way. His faith is rewarded, as his son recovers at the very moment Jesus speaks. This story challenges us to reflect on our own faith. Do we trust in God’s word, or do we wait for signs before believing? Faith is not just about seeing miracles; it is about trusting in God’s promises even when the outcome is still uncertain. 

We all have moments when we struggle to trust God—when life feels overwhelming, prayers seem unanswered, or the future appears uncertain. But today’s readings remind us that God is always at work, bringing renewal and life even when we cannot yet see it. The father in the Gospel teaches us that faith is active; it requires us to take steps forward even when we do not have all the answers. 

Perhaps there is an area in your life where you need to take that step of faith. Maybe it is trusting God with a difficult decision, believing that He will provide, or simply surrendering a burden that feels too heavy to carry alone. Like the royal official, we are invited to take Jesus at His word and live with confidence that His promises will be fulfilled. 

May we grow in faith that does not rely solely on what we see but trusts in God’s power to bring healing, renewal, and transformation into our lives. Let us embrace the newness that God is offering us today, walking forward with hope and unwavering trust in His love.