After my priestly ordination, my bishop assigned me to the Cathedral as Assistant Cathedral Administrator. I had an altar server at the cathedral, whom I consider the most zealous altar server of all times. But I had one problem with him. I remember his name very well, but I will change his name to Peter for the sake of this homily. Sometimes, I would call him, “Peter, please, go to the sacristy and …” Before I could complete my sentence, he would already be running to the sacristy. Then I would call him back, “Peter, come here. Where are you running to?” He would say, “Father, to the sacristy, you sent me.” Then I would say, “I sent you to the sacristy to do what?” Then he would start gazing at his feet and scratching his head.” Then I would say, “Peter, I am thankful that you are so obedient, but please, next time, wait and know the content of the errand, know what I want you to do in the sacristy before you begin to run to the sacristy.” Unfortunately, we would repeat the same drama each time I called to send him on an errand.
My dear friends, how many of us here are better than my altar server Peter? God, in his love, created us, and he has entrusted each one of us with unique missions on earth. But are we patient enough to understand the content of the mission before we begin the mission? Or do we just hear our name and presume we know what he wants us to do? Some Christians read a line from the bible, without digging more into the scripture to understand the content and the context, without consulting other passages, without humbly seeking the help of the institution God empowered to interpret his word, without even spending time to humbly ask God, “What exactly do you want me to do?” they fly with their presumptions and they multiply ignorance, false teachings, and confusions in the world.
When I was approaching the end of High School, I could not wait to study philosophy in college seminary, where I would find the answers to all questions. Unfortunately, after four years of studying philosophy in college seminary, I had more questions than answers. I spent another four years in college seminary studying sacred theology, hoping that at the end, I would know what exactly God wanted me to do. However, when it was time for my ordination, I only realized how little I knew of God’s will. I am gradually approaching the end of my second decade as a Catholic priest, but I still cannot say I am very sure of all God wants me to do as a priest and that I am doing it correctly.
Today is the first Sunday of Lent. The Gospel passage tells us how Satan tempted Jesus after Jesus had prayed and fasted forty days and nights in the desert. Before Jesus went to the desert, John the Baptist baptized him. At the baptism, the voice of the Father from heaven declared Jesus God’s Most Beloved Son. God sent Jesus on a mission to save humanity. Today’s Gospel passage begins by telling us that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit when he left the place of baptism in Jordan and went to the desert. Although his Father approved him at his baptism, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, he still stepped away from the noise of the city to be alone with God for a clearer understanding of the content of his mission. He knew other voices might want to mimic the Father’s voice to confuse him. He knew some other spirits might claim to be the Holy Spirit. So, he left no stone unturned. Even after this desert experience, he continued to consult his Father constantly to be sure he was doing what His Father wanted him to do. This diligence and humility made him identify Satan in the desert and defeat Satan. The same diligence helped him to discern when Satan spoke through Peter, and even when Satan suggested to him to pray against the cup of suffering. If Jesus, God who became a human being, could be that humble and attentive to his Father, why are we human beings so arrogant and too sure of ourselves?
My dearly beloved in Christ, the Christian life is not a destination but a journey. Let us take this season of Lent to constantly ask God, “What exactly do you want me to do now?” And let us pray for the grace to be humble enough to listen to the details of each instruction from God, and to carry them out according to his will so that at the end of our sojourn here on earth, he would welcome us into heaven with the words, “Welcome good and faithful servant, you did all I asked you to do. Now enjoy the eternal reward I prepared for you. Amen.
Homily for 1st Sunday of Lent Year C 2025
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