Homily: June 18, 2023, Sunday of the Eleventh Sunday in ordinary time (God's Love)

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 "At the sight of the crowds, Jesus' heart was moved with pity because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd."

I especially admire Pope Benedict XVI. I can relate to his personality in many ways. He was an introvert and shy, so am I. And he liked bier, so do I.

He was one of the greatest theologians of our time. Through the encyclicals, which are papal letters to all the bishops of the church, Popes share their wisdom and insights on world issues and the faith to guide the church forward. When Pope Benedict was installed, many theologians and the world waited eagerly for his first encyclical, wondering which global issue of the time he would address.

Instead, his first encyclical dwelt on a very basic yet profound topic, "Deus Caritas est", that means "God is love". It was what the church needed, to go back to who God really is and focus on the very basis and essence of our existence.

No world issue can be resolved without knowing God, and no one can be saved without God’s love.

As we listened to today's three readings, we see the true essence of God’s relationship with His people reflected - love.

The full expression of God’s love is Jesus’ heart. Today’s Gospel began with: "Jesus' heart was moved with pity".

Imagine a scene where a child has created a terrible mess in his room, broken toys, spilled drinks, messy floor, and he himself is hurt and dirty. He looks guilty and frightened. And the loving father looks at him, not angrily, but his heart is moved with pity. He knows his son has done wrong, but he also knows his son is helpless. His son is troubled but does not know how to undo the mess on his own, he needs help.

This is how Jesus sees the crowd, this is how He sees us. “Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus prays for us as He dies nailed to the cross. It is made clear in the second reading: "But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Because He knows we are ignorant, we have messed up this world, our own lives, other people’s lives and we do not know how to undo our wrongs, we do not know how to resolve the problems we created for this world.

We need help, we cannot save ourselves. God knows. And He feels deep pity for us.

So, He sent Jesus to help us, to restore our relationship with Him, and with one another. He instructed and empowered His disciples to do what He does, “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons”.

So, what are the global issues troubling our world? What are the life issues troubling us? Who are the people we are struggling to forgive or accept? There is only one solution – love. God’s love.

God is love. His heart is moved with pity for us. Let us also love one another with God’s love. Amen.


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