21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
We are blessed to gather today to celebrate the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God in this Jubilee of Hope.
A jubilee is a sacred time for renewing and resetting our relationship with God and with one another. This Sunday, we are called to understand the spirituality of the Jubilee by living out the restoration of human dignity and embracing our baptismal identity. In doing so, we acknowledge that we are all equal children of God. This calling challenges us to dismantle the walls of racism, tribalism, regionalism, and the ideologies that perpetuate the oppression of the weak and vulnerable—whether in politics, business, religion, or elsewhere.
As baptized children of God, we are also cautioned against becoming complacent and taking our salvation for granted. We must reorder our priorities and center our lives around Grace. Remember, we cannot save ourselves; rather, our actions should be a surrender to and an appreciation of the grace of God.
The psalmist reminds us to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness, even in the face of our weaknesses and sinfulness. True praise is not found in the loudness of our singing or in mere claims of being Christian; it is realized in living authentically as children of God, rooted in our baptismal identity.
Our stress does not originate from ourselves but is alleviated by the grace of God bestowed upon us at Baptism. We should strive daily for spiritual growth and maturity in the discipline of God, which is restorative. This journey is a robust response to the love of God. To embody the spirit of jubilee and to be pilgrims of hope today, we must build a community anchored in godly relationships.
We are also challenged to be a jubilee for ourselves and others by committing to justice and hospitality through humble service. Such commitment arises from a transformation instigated by the love of God, which ignites within us a love for one another and a desire to uplift all humanity. The spirit of the Jubilee is the Spirit of the Lord, who humbles the proud and elevates the lowly.
“Who will be saved?” This question often weighs heavily on our hearts. Although it may be expressed silently, it is evident in how we live and judge one another. Unfortunately, this question tends to lean toward exclusivity rather than inclusivity. We must remember that the love of God is unconditional and universal; it is not reserved for a select few but is meant for all. Let us reflect on our understanding of salvation: is it any different from that of the disciples?
We will not be saved by superficial associations with Jesus. Our salvation comes through the grace of God to which we surrender ourselves. The Kingdom of God is attained by those who welcome the love of God, embody Him, and share Him with others daily through their thoughts, words, and actions.
As we celebrate this Jubilee, let us recognize that the Kingdom of God is not limited to a few but is open to all. We are called to restore the Kingdom of God here on earth by loving one another. Let us strive to enter the Kingdom ourselves and assist our sisters and brothers in their journey to do the same, by opening our hearts to the transformative love of God.
In our reflection, we must ask ourselves: by my way of life, am I opening the Kingdom for others and myself, or am I locking myself out of the Kingdom of Love? Let us also consider how we treat and relate to the created order. Are we fostering love for the Kingdom, or have we allowed our selfishness, greed, or carelessness to harm it?
Hope must be realized today, not postponed for the future, for the Lord of Love is present with us now. His invitation is for the present moment, and your opportunity to respond is now.
Let us bring forth the hope that arises from gratitude for the love and mercy of God we receive daily through our Lord Jesus Christ—not because we deserve it, but simply as a gift.
Let us be the hope for a world torn by hatred, a hope that fosters inclusivity and grants freedom to all, ultimately bringing an end to conflicts.
Let us extend hope to those burdened by sorrow and guilt as we embrace them and introduce them to the Lord, who loves all and is their source of blessedness.
Finally, let us offer hope that uplifts our young people facing myriad challenges, providing them with resilience, purpose, and a true sense of belonging.
May our lives reflect this hope, grounded in love, as we journey together in faith. Amen.