Homily – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Father Sixmund Nyabenda Henry

Faith Expressed Through Generous Love

There is a saying that our priorities are revealed not by what we say, but by how we live. Today’s Scripture readings invite us to ask a profound question: Is Christ truly the center of my life? Or my first priority? 

Jesus never called His followers to a comfortable faith. He called them to a committed faith—a faith willing to love generously, sacrifice willingly, and serve joyfully. The readings today also remind us that genuine faith is always visible. It is reflected in the way we welcome others, in the way we carry our crosses, and we show toward those in need.

In general today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks challenging words: when he says: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”  Jesus is not asking us to love our families less. Rather, He is teaching us that God must always remain the first love of our lives. When Christ occupies that first place, every other relationship becomes stronger, and more authentic. 

Jesus then tells us, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”  Also,the Gospel concludes with a remarkable promise: “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple… he will surely not lose his reward.”

Dear brothers and sisters, this weekend we are doing mission appeals to support Haiti children whereby for nearly seven years, our parish has faithfully supported the children through our parish partnership and even building classrooms. Year after year, your generosity has helped provide meals for children whose families struggle simply to put food on the table. This is not a new mission for us. It has become part of who we are as a parish family. This weekend, we are invited once again to continue that beautiful tradition of Christian charity. Most of us will never travel to Haiti. We may never meet these children personally or know their names. Yet through the photographs / pictures we receive and the stories we hear, we recognize their faces. More importantly, Christ recognizes them. Therefore,A Mission Appeal is an invitation to participate in Christ’s mission by supporting the Church’s work among people who are in need. Through prayer, sacrifice, and financial support, we become partners in spreading the Gospel and bringing hope, dignity, and God’s love to others.

The Lord asks us today to see beyond distance, beyond nationality, beyond language, and beyond culture. When we help feed a hungry child, we are responding to Christ Himself. We are giving more than money. We are giving hope. We are investing in education. We are protecting the dignity of children created in the image and likeness of God. Some may wonder whether their contribution can really make a difference. Jesus answers that question in today’s Gospel. He tells us that even a cup of cold water offered in His name has eternal value.

“A cup of cold water. Means ” A small gifts, united in love, become abundant blessings. Our generosity today is not measured by the size of our donation but by the love with which we give. The Lord never asks us to give what we do not have. He simply asks us to give with grateful and generous hearts. Let us respond with extraordinary generosity so that children we may never meet will know that they are not forgotten—that a parish family many miles away remembers them, prays for them, and cares enough to help provide their daily bread. May our gifts today become a visible sign of God’s invisible love.

And may the Lord, who never allows even a cup of cold water to go unrewarded, bless every generous heart and every child who will receive the fruits of our love. Amen.