On this Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the profound messages of hope that scripture offers us, drawing particularly from the insights of the prophet Ezekiel and the teachings of St. Paul.

Ezekiel offers us a vision of hope from Babylon born of his experience as a priest in exile. He speaks of the Lord planting “a tender shoot” on the “high and lofty mountain” of Israel. This imagery is not just poetic but deeply symbolic, representing a future filled with hope. Ezekiel reassures us of God’s undiminished power. Ezekiel boldly declares that our God is neither defeated nor dead. He is alive and actively present among His people, capable of both humbling the mighty and exalting the humble.

This message of hope is beautifully echoed in Psalm 92 which we recite with faith in our hearts, confident in the restoration of Israel and the Temple through God’s unwavering faithfulness. The Psalmist reminds us of the flourishing life promised to those who remain steadfast in their faith.

St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, extends this theme of hope by addressing the Christian community’s own form of exile. He reminds us that, in a very real sense, we are all exiles in this world, yearning for our true home with God. Yet, even as we navigate this earthly existence “away from the Lord,” we are called to live in a manner pleasing to Him, anchored by our faith and trust in His providence. It is in this daily living and aspiring to please God that we find our strength and purpose.

The seed, seemingly insignificant, sprouts and grows in ways beyond our understanding, symbolizing the kingdom of God that flourishes in unexpected places and circumstances. We take to heart the message of hope that today’s readings offer us. Like the tender shoot planted by the Lord, may we grow and flourish in our faith, nurtured by the knowledge of God’s active presence and faithfulness. Remember, no matter where we find ourselves, to give thanks to the Lord, to proclaim His kindness and faithfulness. For in His love and power we find our true home and the promise of eternal life.

We shall always look up to the Eternal Home and walk with the Lord that in the fullness of time God will provide everything we need in the world to come. Put our trust in Him and only in Him. Without His knowledge, nothing will ever happen to us.

I wish all the fathers of our parish a Blessed Fathers’ Day in the grace of God the Father and the example of St. Joseph!

Love and prayers,

Fr. Charley