March 2, 2025
8th Sunday
Ordinary Time
FOCUS: The sting of death has been banished by the victory of Christ.
In the second reading we heard that death is no longer something to be feared, for it has been swallowed up by the victory of Christ: Where, O death, is your sting? Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have transformed death into the road to eternal life. Therefore, in this life, we must labor with the steadfast hope of attaining heaven, certain that if we strive to serve the Lord our work is not in vain.
What's in Your Heart
Today's readings provide a simple reminder of the importance of our words as they relate to God's Word, made flesh in Jesus.​
We are encouraged to clothe ourselves in the word, which brings with it a powerful perspective into eternal life.
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Do I ever feel clothed in the word, fully confident in the protection it provides?
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What can I do to convey the amazing strength that comes with being true to God's word?
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Do I draw on that strength when I should?
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Do I display the courage that comes with being draped in the word and loving as Christ loves?
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Jesus tells us that "from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."
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Do I have a full heart?
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If not, what caused the feeling of depletion?
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What can I do to restore my joy?
Homily Stories
I was an inconsistent student over the years of my formal education. I excelled in some areas and struggled in others. I have come to realize that the teacher often made the difference. My introduction to numbers beyond the basics was high school Algebra I. The teacher was brilliant but had no patience in explaining the steps necessary to learn the concepts because it came easy to him. It remained inaccessible to me because of that. There was no fun or sense of accomplishment. I felt he didn’t want to be there as much as I didn’t. I dreaded every math course after that.
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On the other hand, my teacher in English II loved to read and write. He found books students our age enjoyed reading and encouraged spirited discussions. He had us writing every day, printed our work, had us read it aloud to the class, and patiently helped us improve our technique. We were having as much fun as he did. That pleasure of reading has stayed with me, and the satisfaction writing gives remains an integral part of my life today.
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I have also learned that teaching encompasses more than imparting knowledge and skills. Example, enthusiasm, and respect of the subject from the teacher can make a student not just a learner but also a disciple. Often, the disciple will become a teacher as well. We can teach theology, but we help people learn what faith really means by how we live our lives as disciples of Christ.
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