💖 HOMILY - APRIL 11 💖

First Reading - Jeremiah 20:10-13 

Gospel - John 10:31-42

St. Alphonsa once said, "A day without suffering is a day lost." This reflects not only the daily hardships she endured but also her willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of Jesus. The readings of today invite us to accept the challenges and hardships of life with patience and trust in the Lord.

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah laments the opposition and hatred he experienced from his own friends. Their hostility was provoked by his bold prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem, which demanded a change of heart from the people—something they resisted. To silence him and his message, they plotted to kill him. Despite the deep discouragement this caused, Jeremiah did not waver in his faith. He radiated trust in the Lord and firmly believed that God would not allow his enemies to triumph over him, since he had remained faithful to God's mission. Jeremiah’s confidence amid such adversity reflects a powerful sense of optimism—one that we too are called to embody when we face life’s challenges.

The Gospel continues this theme of rejection and opposition, showing how Jesus, like Jeremiah, was misunderstood and opposed. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God, interpreting his divine claim as a human pretending to be God. Jesus responds by urging them to at least consider the works he has done, which bear witness to his divine origin. Yet, when he saw their unwillingness to believe, he withdrew to a place where people were more receptive to him.

Dear friends, suffering, opposition, and hardship are hallmarks of the Christian life. It is our endurance in the face of trials, for the sake of truth and the Kingdom of God, that proves us to be faithful children of God. Christian life inherently includes challenges. The opposition faced by Jeremiah and Jesus shows us that truth is often rejected—not because it is false, but because it demands change, which people are reluctant to make. Jeremiah’s prophecies called for a moral transformation, and Jesus' claim to divinity called for a shift in mindset. Both were resisted.

As Christians, our lives often stand in contrast to worldly values. When we challenge these values, we are likely to face resistance. But the readings also teach us how to respond. Jesus shows us that we must first try to clarify the truth and reach out with understanding. When this fails, it may be wise to withdraw peacefully. Jeremiah teaches us to trust completely in God, even when surrounded by enemies. Our faith will sustain us, and God will not allow us to be defeated when we walk in His ways.

Let us pray for the strength to endure life’s challenges and for a faith that never wavers, even in the face of opposition.