Homily - 18B Sunday homily (04 August 2024) Faith in Jesus as the Bread of Life

 

18B Sunday Homily, John 6:24-35, August 4, 2024

1. STORY

A poor family from Europe was immigrating to the United States by ship.  Because few on the ship spoke their language, they stayed in their 3rd class cabin during most of the voyage.  As they were poor and unable to buy more nourishing food, they ate dry bread and cheese which they brought with them.  On the last day of the trip, John, their 15-year-old son, asked permission to look around the ship.  The father agreed under the condition that John would return in one hour.  After the hour, John did not return and his father went looking for him.  To his great surprise, he found his son eating at a restaurant table.  He said to his son that they did not have money to pay for the food.  John replied that it was free as food was included in the ticket.  The family was not aware that there was delicious food for them on the journey.  Many are not aware of the spiritual food which Jesus makes available to them on their journey through life.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:24-35

A. TWO KINDS OF FOOD

Jesus tells us that there are two types of food.  There is perishable food and food that lasts for eternal life, that is food that gives eternal life. 

B. BELIEVE IN JESUS

The people asked Jesus for this food.  He said that He, the Son of

Man, will give them this food.  They must have faith in him.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FOOD

All people know what food we eat is but most do not know what spiritual food is.  Jesus has taught us there are two types of spiritual food.  One type is his word.  Every time we listen to his word, he is giving us spiritual food.  The second spiritual food is the Eucharist, his body and blood.  When we hear the word of God and receive the Eucharist, he gives us eternal life. 

B. BELIEVE IN JESUS

To have faith in someone is important for us to be able to live. Children have faith in their parents when they eat what their parents prepare for them.  Students have faith in their teachers when they go to school and listen to their instructions.  Sick people have faith in their doctor when they accept the medicine prescribed by him / her.  We have faith in the bus company when we board a bus.  We have faith in Jesus when we accept his instructions.  We believe that Jesus gives us spiritual food when he teaches us.  We believe Jesus gives us spiritual food when we receive his Body and Blood.  We ask Jesus to strengthen our faith so that we will be able to receive the spiritual food he offers us.  This food will give us eternal life.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The family on the ship was not aware of the delicious food available to them on their journey.  Many are not aware of the spiritual food Jesus offers them, that is his word and the Eucharist.  We thank Jesus for the spiritual food he provides for us.  We ask him to strengthen our faith.  Jesus was sent by God to give us eternal life.

Homily - 17B Sunday homily (28 July 2024) Jesus feeds the hungry

 

17 B SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 6:1-15, JULY 28, 2024 

1. STORY

Early in the morning a mother told her five children that there was no food for breakfast as they had no bread, eggs or milk.  They would have to go to school hungry.  She asked them to pray to God for food.  Little Johnny, on his way to school, entered the church he passed daily.  He walked up to the altar, looked around carefully, but he saw no one.  He then prayed in a loud voice to God for food.  He told God that his mother said God would provide them with food if they asked.  On his return home, he opened the door and was amazed to find bread, eggs, and milk on the table.  He told his mother it was God who gave them this gift.  His mother assured him that he was correct; but while he was praying in church, a kind lady overheard his prayer and brought them the food.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:1-15

A. THE PEOPLE WERE HUNGRY

Jesus attracted many people when he spoke.  He was concerned that they were hungry having followed him for some time.  The disciples were puzzled as how to feed so many.  Jesus knew what to do. 

B. JESUS FEEDS ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE

Jesus blessed five barley loaves and two fish.  The disciples passed them out to all the people.  The gospel tells us “They had their fill. There were twelve baskets of fragments left over.”  Jesus was able to feed all of them with plenty of food left over.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. MANY PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY

There are two kinds of hunger, both physical hunger and spiritual hunger.  There are many people who are physically hungry by not having enough food, drinkable water, clothing, little medical care, and no proper shelter.  There are many who are spiritually hungry.  They have no love, no happiness, no peace, and no hope in their hearts.  Life for them is without hope. 

B. WE TRY TO HELP BOTH THE PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY.

i) We help the physically hungry by supporting the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Caritas, by donating to the different appeals made by our bishop and by sharing our blessings with groups who come to our parish such as the Little Sisters of the Poor.  

ii) We help the spiritually poor by praying for them, visiting the sick, and calling someone you know who is lonely.  We help them when we introduce them to Jesus.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Little Johnny prayed to God for food and his prayers were answered.  Jesus cared for those who were hungry and provided about five thousand people with plenty of food.  We have received God’s many blessings and should help both the physically and spiritually hungry.  We thank Jesus for remembering us of our duty to help others.  We ask him for the strength to follow his good example.

Homily - 16B Sunday homily (21 July 2024) Jesus' heart was moved with pity for them

 

16B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 6:30-34, JULY 21, 2024 

1. STORY

President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War.  He went to one young soldier who was dying and asked if he could help him.  The soldier did not recognize the president but whispered, “Would you please write a letter to my mother?”  The president carefully began writing down what the young man said.  The soldier was too weak to continue so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.”  The young man asked to see the letter and was astonished when he discovered who had written it.  “Are you really the president?” he asked.  Lincoln quietly replied, “Yes, I am.”  Then he asked if there was anything else he could do.  “Would you please hold my hand?”, the soldier asked.  “It would help to see me through to the end.”  The president took the boy’s hand in his and spoke warm words of encouragement until death came.  Lincoln’s heart was moved with pity.

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 6:30-34

A. COME AWAY AND REST A WHILE

Jesus and the disciples were very busy.  “They had no opportunity even to eat.”  Jesus was very concerned about their health and so said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  Jesus knew the importance of caring for one’s health. 

B. HIS HEART WAS MOVED WITH PITY FOR THEM

Many people followed Jesus as they wanted to hear his message.  He saw that they were like sheep without a shepherd.  He then began to teach them many things.  He was very concerned that they would not get lost but would know the way to happiness and peace.  Jesus was very compassionate.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH

God has given us the wonderful gift of health.  He wants us to make a great effort to care for this precious gift.  Here are three suggestions which may help us.

i) Food is extremely important.  Take care to eat the proper foods.

ii) Rest is very important.  Make every effort to get enough rest in your hectic lives.

ii) Slow down.  See if there is something you can cut out or reduce such as the use of your phone. 

B. BE KIND

Many people face great difficulties and are under a lot of pressure from living in our crowded society.  Here are three suggestions to follow Jesus’ example.

i) Be understanding of others knowing that they may be under a lot of pressure.  Be slow to judge and give them the benefit of a doubt.

ii) Be patient with others when they seem to be impolite or irritable.  They may not be aware of what they are doing.

ii) Be forgiving.  People may not willingly offend you; but because they have a lot on their minds, they may not be aware of their actions.  By doing this, we are following the actions of Jesus who is compassionate.

 

4. CONCLUSION

President Abraham Lincoln was kind toward the dying soldier.  Jesus was caring about the health of the disciples and compassionate toward those following him.  We have to care for our health.  We should strive to be understanding, patient, and forgiving when dealing with others.  We thank Jesus for his example and instruction.  We ask him for this strength to follow his good example.

Homily - 15B Sunday homily (14 July 2024) Jesus sends out the twelve

 

15B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 6:7-13, JULY 14, 2024 

1. STORY

Mrs. Chan moved with her family from the north part of the city to the south side.  She met her new neighbors who were friendly to her.  She was most impressed by Mrs. Wong’s words and actions.  Mrs. Wong never gossiped about others, and was always kind, gentle, and understanding in her speech.  She was always the first one to help others in need.  She gave her time and even money when there was such a need.  Mrs. Chan wondered why Mrs. Wong was such a nice person as she wanted to be like her.  Finally, she found out the reason; it was because Mrs. Wong was a Catholic.  So, Mrs. Chan studied the doctrine and was baptized because of the good example of Mrs. Wong.  Mrs. Wong was a true missioner by her good example.

 

2. GOSPEL, MARK 6:7-13

A. JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE

Jesus had work to do.  He had to tell others that he had come to save them.  He shared this work and this message with his friends, the disciples.  The gospel tells us that “he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out.” 

B. THE TWELVE DISCIPLES GO OUT

The gospel tells us that they carried out their work by their words and actions.

i) By their words: “They preached repentance.”  They told people that they had to change their evil ways and follow God’s commandments. 

ii) By their actions: “They drove out many demons.”  They also cured the sick and helped the needy in any way they could.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. JESUS SENDS US OUT ON A MISSION

Just as Jesus sent out the disciples so does he send us out on a mission because there is much work to be done.  Many of our relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors do not know much or anything about Jesus.  Most of the 7 million people living in Hong Kong need to be contacted. 

B. WE EVANGELIZE BY OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS

i) We evangelize by our words when we are kind and respectful in our speech.  We evangelize when we do not gossip and talk about other’s faults.  When we praise others, comfort them and encourage them, we evangelize. 

ii) We evangelize by our actions when we pray daily for someone not baptized asking God to give the person faith.  We evangelize when we invite someone to our church to learn more about our religion.  We evangelize when we call on a sick person showing our concern.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Mrs. Chan was deeply influenced by Mrs. Wong’s words and actions.  This convinced her to follow Jesus.  Jesus sent out the disciples who carried out their work by their words and actions.  Today, Jesus sends us out to carry out his work.  We do this by our words and actions.  We thank Jesus for inviting us to work along with him.  We ask him to make us faithful, fervent and dedicated apostles.

Homily - 14B Sunday homily (07 July 2024) Some people reject Jesus

 

14B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 6:1-6, JULY 7, 2024 

1. STORY

Many years ago in China, a man named Ben found an unpolished but precious large stone which he presented to the emperor.  Seeing nothing but a large rock, the emperor felt tricked and ordered Ben’s left foot to be chopped off.  Ben sent the same present to the next emperor who rejected it and angrily ordered the donor’s right foot to be chopped off.  When the third emperor came to the throne, Ben held the stone in his arm at the gate of the emperor’s palace and wept for three days and three nights.  The emperor sent someone to investigate and then ordered the stone to be polished.  Only then did they discover it was a priceless jade.  Jesus resembles the jade which was most precious but rejected.

 

2. GOSPEL: MARK 6:1-6a

A. SOME PEOPLE REJECT JESUS.

Jesus returned to his hometown, Nazareth, and preached to them is the synagogue.

i) They were amazed at how wonderfully he spoke as his words were full of wisdom.

ii) Then realizing that he was just one of them, they rejected him as “they took offense at him.” 

B. JESUS WAS AMAZED BY THEIR LACK OF FAITH.

i) Jesus knew that a prophet was not appreciated among his own people.

ii) He was amazed by their lack of faith.  This made him sad, and he did not work many miracles there.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. TODAY MANY PEOPLE REJECT JESUS.

Here are two types of people who reject Jesus today.

i) There are those who are baptized but have left Jesus and left the Church.  They have either completely abandoned all religion as being useless or have found what they think is a better religion.  

ii) There are those who believe in only what they can see, feel, and hear.  The spiritual, that they cannot see, feel or hear, either does not exist or is not worth considering. 

B. JESUS COMES TO US.

Just as Jesus visited his own town, Jesus constantly comes to us.

i) We pray to Jesus and he comes to us each time to help us, to encourage us, and to comfort us.

ii) When we read the bible, he comes to us to teach us about God’s love for us and how to stay on the right path as we journey through life.

iii) Jesus comes to us each time at Mass when we receive the Body and Blood in the Eucharist.  He comes to give us strength to stay faithful to him, to carry our burdens, and to continue to share the good news with others.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Two emperors rejected the precious jade but the third accepted it.  Many in Jesus’ home town rejected Jesus while only a few accepted him.  Today, many reject Jesus.  We accept Jesus in our lives.  We are truly blessed to be Catholics.  We have the responsibility of bringing Jesus to others.  Today we thank Jesus for coming to us and giving us peace, happiness, and eternal life.  We ask him to help us share these blessings with others.