LIVE WELL BY KNOWING WHY, WHAT AND HOW - Homily by Fr. Dave Concepcion on Sept. 18, 2024

Summary

The video shares a spiritual reflection based on a Gospel reading where Jesus compares his generation to children who are unsatisfied despite various efforts. It explores the themes of faith, hope, and love, answering essential life questions: why, what, and how. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful life, rooted in love, rather than being consumed by material concerns. He encourages gratitude for health, reminding viewers that the true measure of life lies in how we love and serve others, not in our possessions or status.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The reading is from the Gospel according to St. Luke, where Jesus compares the current generation to children who are unsatisfied no matter the approach.
• 🎶 Jesus explains that people criticize both John the Baptist and himself for different behaviors, demonstrating how the people are hard to please.
• 🤔 Faith, hope, and love are the three theological virtues, answering the questions of 'what,' 'why,' and 'how' we should live.
• 💡 Hope gives us a reason to live, answering the 'why' of life. Without hope, one loses the will to continue.
• 🙌 Faith answers the 'what' by providing trust in something greater, a higher power that guides and cares for us.
• 💞 Love answers the 'how,' teaching us to live our lives for others, not just for ourselves. True love is selfless.
• 📜 At the end of life, everything will be measured in love, not by what we have or don't have but by how we live and love with what we have.
• 💰 The speaker reflects on his early ministry, where he was assigned to a very poor parish, reminding us to be grateful for what we have.
• 💬 We will all face sickness or hardship at some point, and when that happens, all other problems fade into the background. Be thankful while healthy.
• ⏳ Our goal is not to live long but to live well, guided by the virtues of faith, hope, and love.

Q & A

What is the main message of the Gospel reading in the script?

The main message is that people often criticize others regardless of their actions, as shown by their judgments of John the Baptist and Jesus. The scripture highlights how wisdom is vindicated by her children, meaning true understanding and righteousness come through discernment.

What are the three theological virtues mentioned in the script?

The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and love. These virtues guide how one should live their life by answering three essential questions: what, why, and how.

Why is hope considered essential according to the speaker?

Hope answers the question 'why,' providing a reason to live. Without hope, a person loses the will to live.

How does faith answer the question of 'what' in life?

Faith answers the question 'what,' by helping us understand there is something greater than ourselves, someone we can trust—God, who cares for us.

What does the speaker say about love and its importance in life?

Love is defined as ordering oneself for the good of others. At the end of life, everything will be measured in love, and it's not about what one has but how one uses it for the benefit of others.

How does the speaker connect personal health to life's challenges?

The speaker mentions that when people get sick, they tend to forget their other problems, focusing only on their illness. Therefore, one should be grateful while healthy and not wait until they are sick to appreciate life.

What advice does the speaker give about wealth?

The speaker advises not to be too poor, as it might lead to cursing God, but also not to be too rich, as it might cause one to forget God. Balance is key.

What is meant by the statement 'what is more important is not what your hands can hold but what your hearts can keep'?

This statement emphasizes that material possessions are less important than the love and values one holds in their heart. It’s not about accumulating wealth but about how one lives with purpose and love.

What does the speaker suggest about the inevitability of life’s challenges?

The speaker suggests that no one is exempt from life’s challenges. Doctors get sick, lawyers lose cases, and even the rich die empty-handed. The goal should be to live well, not just to live long.

What is the significance of the concluding prayer and blessing?

The concluding prayer and blessing invoke God's protection and guidance over the congregation, reminding them to go forth in peace and live their lives in service to God, with gratitude and purpose.