Homily: June 16, 2026, Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (Mercy)

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 “Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time.”

Yesterday we heard the disturbing story of Naboth and the terrible injustice committed against him by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Their actions were cruel, wrong and sinful. They deserved judgement and punishment, especially Jezebel, who orchestrated the whole scheme.

Yet today we see something remarkable. When Ahab humbled himself, fasted, and repented, God relented. He delayed the punishment that had been announced.

What does this show us about God?

It shows us that God’s mercy is greater than our sins.

For thirteen years, Pope Francis reminded the Church of this beautiful truth: God's very name is mercy. God is just, but He is also infinitely merciful. He never ceases to seek out the sinner and offer the way back to Him.

We see this throughout the events in Sacred Scripture. When Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced the consequences of their sin. Yet immediately afterward, we read that “the LORD God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which he clothed them.”

He passed judgement rightfully, but our God executes with deep compassion and love instead of punishment. He provided for them. He did not abandon them even while He let them live the choice they made.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 51, is another powerful witness to God's mercy. King David composed this psalm after realizing that his adultery and the murder of Uriah were grave sins against God. David deserved punishment, yet when he cried out, “Have mercy on me, O God,”, the Lord our God forgave him and restored him.

When God revealed Himself to Moses, He described His loving heart this way: “The LORD, the LORD, a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Many people today have drifted away from the Church possibly because they thought they were beyond repair. Shame, guilt, and regret convinced them that they would never be forgiven, and that there is no dignity in going back to church.

But the truth is, God never grows tired of forgiving us. He knows us through yet He loves us eternally and continually invites us back to Himself.

As we celebrate this Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us pray for the conversion of souls. Let us pray especially for those who feel far from God, may they realize that God is never far from them.

Amen.


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