Homily for Sunday, March 2, 2025

[Father Paul]

Today, I am excited to launch a new series of homilies designed to complement our small group discussions. As you know, these groups meet weekly to explore and share our faith with one another. This season, we will be using Rebuilt Faith: A Manual for Skeptical Catholics. Our journey begins with Week 1: Get to Know Jesus. Each week, the authors provide a short meditation along with reflection prompts for every day.

I appreciate their thoughtful approach. Authors Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran kick off this first week by posing three pivotal questions about Jesus. While they delve into more topics than just these inquiries, I'd like to highlight some key areas.

Question 1: Who is Jesus? During my pilgrimage to the Holy Land a few years ago, we visited an ancient city known as Caesarea Philippi (or "Banyo," named after the Greek god Pan). On our way there, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Here’s how Matthew captures this moment in chapter 16, verses 13-17:

“When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.'”

This confession is truly remarkable—who else says such things? Throughout my life I've met incredible individuals—like St. Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II—but none have made such declarations about themselves publicly; even Albert Einstein would likely seem outlandish if he had claimed so! Yet here stands Jesus—the epitome of directness—asserting His identity as the Messiah.

So I ask you: Who do you believe Him to be? Ultimately it comes down to your personal conviction—it’s your choice whether or not to believe—and yet it remains an essential question worth considering deeply. Personally speaking—I choose Him; I put my faith in Him.

As our authors introduce their second crucial inquiry: Is following Him worthwhile? Without hesitation—I affirm it absolutely is! But what makes it worthwhile? Simply put—this Divine Savior guarantees us eternal life.

Pastor Rick Warren encapsulates this beautifully in his book Purpose Driven Life, where he states that our primary purpose on Earth is worshiping God—that's why we were created! Furthermore—a fulfilling life includes three significant components concerning God: Life serves as a test;

life carries responsibilities;

and ultimately life represents a temporary assignment.

God assures us He walks beside us through life's highs and lows—and when we eventually "cross over" into eternity—we stand poised to inherit promises made from creation itself!

The third question raised by our authors resonates powerfully too: What is He like? To truly understand Him—you must engage with Scripture through reading Gospels alongside prayerful contemplation.

In doing so—as I've experienced—you’ll uncover three truths about His nature:

He surprises us with unconventional wisdom;

He captivates minds brilliantly while being utterly disarming;

And most importantly—He extends friendship toward each one of us.

Will you accept His offer for companionship? You certainly won’t regret making that choice!

To conclude—I'm reminded once again by one favorite hymn which sadly didn’t find its way into our Catholic Book of Worship:

What A Friend We Have In Jesus. Allow me leave behind its uplifting message today:

He invites YOU into friendship.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.