Homily: May 31, 2025, Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.”

These powerful words from the prophet Zephaniah are just as timely today as they were when first declared. Indeed, it is a much-needed message for the Church today.

At the last NCYC, one of the bishops began his talk, addressing the youth, with three simple words: “Joy over Fear.” And those words captured the attention of over 13,000 teenagers; it sure captured my attention too. We all listened to him keenly for more than an hour because deep inside every one of us, we yearn to have courage over fear, we long for joy over sorrow, and we all live in the hope that all will be well and good at the end of our days.

Every day we wake up to some bad news, so it is very easy to slip into anxiety, fear, sadness and hopelessness.

Even when we look at our church, observe its declining numbers and its silent community, it is easy to think that God is far away, Jesus is in the distance and we are heading to the bottom.

At the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Mass this past Tuesday, Fr. Malachy addressed this situation head-on. He said, “There’s a lie that lives in the Church today, a lie told to you by the culture, that you are on the defense. That the Church is shrinking, that you should keep quiet about Jesus, that faith belongs only in your home or within church walls.”

But then he added boldly: “That’s the lie. The truth is Satan is scared to death of the Church.”

Why? Because satan knows the power of Jesus Christ, the One who was crucified and has risen. He knows the power of the Eucharist, the sacraments, and he fears the power of the disciple who has faith.

However, he is also relaxed when he sees the reality, where clergy and laity seem to be more fearful than him. We seem to live unaware of the power of the Eucharist, the sacraments, the power of our faith – precisely those things which will empower us to overcome the world’s lies and lures, and crush satan.

If only we are fully aware, and claim these powerful gifts already given to us, will we still be fearful? If we have the Good News of our Lord in focus, if we daily invite the Lord into our midst, He who is our mighty savior, will we hear Zephaniah’s words clearly, “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!”

As we prepare for the great feast of Pentecost, let us ask God for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who brings courage, conviction, and joy. Who will empower us to be like Jesus and speak of Jesus at work, at school, everywhere and with everyone, like the Apostles after that first Pentecost.

Yes, we have “Joy over Fear” because we have Jesus, the Eucharist, the sacraments and firm faith. May that be our prayer and our proclamation. Let satan be the one to worry and fear. Amen.


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