“I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34)
What messages has Jesus placed in your heart this Lent? How is He affirming, challenging, inspiring, and encouraging you through the Scriptures and the homilies, and how are you responding to His messages?
Often, we perceive a homily as a one-way communication. However, it is not; it signifies a dialogue between you and Jesus. The priest or deacon delivering the homily, believing that his words stem from prayer, study, reflection, and discernment, serves as the mouthpiece of Jesus Christ. It is the role of the listeners to internalize and act upon what the preacher imparts.
Both the preacher and the congregation should embrace moments of silence during Mass to cultivate this communication with God, particularly after the homily or during communion. These pauses help renew and inspire our hearts and minds to put the Word of God into action.
Additionally, the Gospel we encounter at Mass should evoke deep gratitude towards God, prompting us to praise and thank Him during the Eucharistic celebration. With resolute amens, we acknowledge the living God who enlightens and moves us with wisdom and love through the Scriptures and the homily. Every Mass should lead us to appreciate the “pearl of great price” and prompt a prayer of gratitude.
As we move with joyful anticipation towards Easter, may we continue to listen and respond to Jesus’ voice in our hearts, urging us to share the beauty and strength of our Christian Catholic faith with others.
Let us pray that we, as preachers, ignite the hearts of the congregation as we proclaim the Good News, recognizing that our words are always rooted in prayer.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
