Homily - 21B Sunday homily (25 August 2024) We believe Jesus is the Bread of Life

 

21B, SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 6:60-69, AUGUST 25, 2024

1. STORY

There was a widow who could not read or write.  She brought up her only son who went to the USA to study and then worked there.  She complained to her neighbor that her son did not care for her and did not help her.  The neighbor noticed that the widow received a weekly letter from her son and asked her what the letters contained.  The widow responded that the letters contained some colored papers of men.  Thinking they were useless, she pasted them on the wall to cover over the cracks.  The neighbor asked to see them.  To her great surprise, she informed the widow that she had pasted US100 bills her son had sent on the walls of her house.  She had a very filial son, but she did not know this.  She had a great treasure which she did not appreciate.  Many people are like the widow.  They have Jesus and the Eucharist but do not appreciate him or his precious gift.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:60-69

A. SOME OF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE 

i) Jesus taught the people that his body and his blood were the bread of life which would give them eternal life.

ii) Many of the people did not accept this teaching and left him, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” 

B. WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE 

i) Jesus asked the twelve apostles if they wanted to leave him.  “Do you also want to leave?”

ii. They believed in Jesus and followed him.  “You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe.”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE

Here are three reasons why people do not believe.

i) To believe is a gift from God.  Jesus tells us, “No one can come to me unless it is granted him by my father.”  Faith is a gift. 

ii) Some people in need ask Jesus for help but do not receive help.  They conclude that either he is not interested in helping them or is not able to do so.  They leave Jesus. 

iii) Some people become too busy or are far more interested in money, pleasure, or power that they have no time for Jesus.  They forget about Jesus. 

B. THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS

We who are blessed with faith in Jesus and the Eucharist may do the following.

i) BE THANKFUL

Each day we should thank Jesus for the wonderful gifts of faith and the Eucharist.  We have done nothing to deserve such precious gifts. 

ii) BE WELCOMING

Receive the Eucharist at each Mass we attend.  Welcome Jesus into our hearts as we would welcome the Pope or our Bishop into our homes. 

iii) BE HIS DISCIPLES

Jesus gives us the bread of life so that we have the strength to follow his example.  Be kind, be helpful, and be encouraging towards others.  Share the good news that Jesus loves them.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The widow was not aware of her son’s love and help.  Many people are like the widow.  They are not aware of the love of Jesus or the precious gift of the Eucharist.  Some of those who followed Jesus did not accept the gift of the Eucharist and so left him.  The twelve apostles believed and followed Jesus.  We who believe in Jesus must be thankful, welcoming, and faithful disciples.  We thank Jesus for his love and his gifts.  We ask him to strengthen our faith.

Homily - 20B Sunday homily (18 August 2024) The Eucharist as the Bread of Life

 

20B, SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 6:51-58, AUGUST 18, 2024

1. STORY

John, a young soldier, was injured in battle.  His chances for recovery were very good.  However, there was one problem as he refused to eat.  His soldier friend visited him in the hospital and told the doctors he would not eat because he was homesick.  He suggested that they get his parents to visit him as a possible solution.  His friend was ordered to visit the parents and get them to come to visit their son.  As the father was about to leave home, his wife suggested he bring along a large loaf of homemade bread, a favorite of John’s.  At the hospital, the father told John that he had bought his mother’s homemade bread.  This made him happy; and from that point on, he began to eat.  Bread saved his life.

 

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:51-58

A. I AM THE LIVING BREAD 

i) This bread is special as it comes from heaven.  It can’t be purchased nor can it be made at home.

ii) It is so special that it caused a quarrel among the people.  They asked, “How can he give us his flesh to eat?” 

B. WHOEVER EATS THIS BREAD WILL LIVE FOREVER

Jesus tells us two effects of eating this bread.

i) He remains in us and we remain in him.

ii) “I will raise him up on the last day.”  By this, Jesus means we will live forever.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. CHRIST PROVIDES US WITH SPIRITUAL FOOD.

i) Food is essential for our bodies and we must eat each day.  Without food, we would die of starvation.

ii) Spiritual food is essential for our souls.  Jesus provides us with this food in the Eucharist.  He is the only one who has the power to give it to us.  He makes it very easy for us to get this food.  We should receive the Eucharist each time we attend Mass. 

B. CHRIST GIVES US ETERNAL LIFE. 

i) The Eucharist gives us strength to resist the many temptations that are around us.

ii) The Eucharist gives us the strength to be Christ’s disciples, his friends, so that we can help others as he did.

iii) The Eucharist gives us eternal life, a life of happiness in heaven.

 

4. CONCLUSION

John, the wounded soldier, was saved by his mother’s homemade bread.  Jesus is the bread of life.  We are blessed by Jesus who provides us with this spiritual food.  The food gives us strength to resist temptations, the strength to be his followers, and to help others as he did.  This bread, the Eucharist, gives us eternal life.  Today we thank Jesus for giving us this wonderful gift.  We thank Jesus for making it so easy to receive the Eucharist.  We ask Jesus to strengthen our faith so as to receive this great gift each time we attend Mass.

Homily - 19B Sunday homily (11 August 2024) The Bread of Life as Jesus' teachings

 

19B SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 6:41-51, AUGUST 11, 2024

1. STORY
The famous St. Augustine (354-430), though he knew the truths of the Catholic Church, had a difficult time deciding whether to be baptized or not.  Finally, as his crisis became unbearable, he heard a voice speak to him, “Take and read.”  He was inspired to take up the bible where he found this text.  “Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in lust and wantonness, not in quarrels and rivalries.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:13-14).  At once the storm was stilled, and he resolved to be baptized.  He was taught by the scriptures.

2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:41-51
A. I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE

When Jesus speaks about himself as being the bread of life, he has two meanings.

i) The bread, in this section of John, means his teachings.

ii) The bread also means the Eucharist as in the gospel for next week.

B. THEY SHALL BE TAUGHT BY GOD

God teaches us in two ways.

i) God teaches us through our hearts.  “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”  If we leave ourselves open to God’s influence, he will draw us to Christ.

ii) God teaches us through Jesus. “I am the living bread that comes down from heaven.” This teaching that Christ gives us is powerful, nourishing, and sanctifying.  It is so powerful that it gives us eternal life.  “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. JESUS IS THE GREAT TEACHER
i) Jesus is like light.  He helps us to see.  He tells us there is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  Without his help, we would never know this.

ii) Jesus teaches us love.  He gave his life for us.  This is the great sign of love, giving up one’s life for another.

iii) Jesus teaches us about life.  Life has a beginning and an end which is eternal life; that is, happiness forever with God.

B. WE ARE HIS STUDENTS

Jesus has come to teach us.

i) We must LISTEN carefully when we come to Mass.  There are many distractions like day dreaming, talking to others, or using your mobile phone.

ii) We must STUDY the bible.  We can join a bible class or have a bible with good notes.

iii) We must PUT INTO PRACTICE what we have learned.  Jesus is our model.  We pray for the grace to follow his good example.

4. CONCLUSION
When St. Augustine was deeply troubled and looking for a way to solve his problem, he found the answer in the bible.  Jesus taught us that he is the bread of life which means here his teachings, and live as he did.  He is our model.  We thank Jesus for being our teacher by teaching us priceless truths.  We ask him to help us to be good students, good disciples.

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.