💖 HOMILY - JANUARY 15 💖

First Reading - 1 Samuel 4:1-11 

Gospel - Mark 1:40-45

There is a subtle temptation that appears when faith becomes familiar: we begin to rely on religious symbols and routines instead of a living relationship with God. We assume that because we carry the signs of faith, God must automatically be on our side. Today’s readings challenge that assumption and invite us to rediscover a faith rooted not in control or ritual, but in trust and compassion.

The First Reading from 1 Samuel tells a troubling story. Israel goes into battle and suffers defeat. Instead of turning their hearts back to God, they bring the Ark of the Covenant onto the battlefield, convinced that the sacred object will guarantee victory. The ark, the holiest symbol of God’s presence, is treated almost like a weapon or a charm. The result is devastating. Israel is defeated again, and the ark is captured.

This moment is painful because it reveals a misunderstanding of faith. God is not something we carry to ensure success. God is not obligated by our symbols, titles, or traditions. When trust is replaced by presumption, even holy things lose their meaning. The tragedy is not only military defeat, but the loss of a living relationship with God.

The Gospel from Mark presents a striking contrast. A man with leprosy approaches Jesus with nothing to offer and no claim to deserve healing. He does not rely on symbols or status. He comes with humility and trust: If you choose, you can make me clean. This is faith stripped of control. It places everything in the hands of Jesus.

Jesus’ response reveals the heart of God. He is moved with compassion. He touches the man, crossing boundaries of fear and exclusion, and restores him to wholeness. The healing flows not from ritual power, but from relationship. The man’s faith is rewarded not because he demands, but because he trusts.

Dear friends, placed side by side, these readings confront us with an important question. Do we sometimes treat faith as a guarantee rather than a relationship? Do we rely on religious identity, practices, or appearances while neglecting trust, humility, and obedience?

It is possible to be surrounded by religious activity and still be distant from God. It is also possible to feel unworthy, broken, or excluded, and yet be closer to God than we realize. What matters is not what we carry, but how we approach God.

The invitation today is honest and freeing. Let go of the need to control God. Stop using faith as a safety net or insurance policy. Instead, come before God as you are, with humility and trust. Like the leper, dare to believe not only in God’s power, but in God’s compassion.

When faith becomes relationship rather than presumption, healing begins. When trust replaces control, God’s presence is restored. And when we approach Christ with open hearts instead of religious guarantees, we discover that God is not captured by symbols, but revealed in mercy, touch, and transforming love.