Cathedral Homilies - August 25 (Fr. Viel)

Summary

In this reflective discourse, the speaker explores the theme of faith amidst trials, drawing from biblical accounts of Joshua and the people of Israel, as well as the disciples in the Gospel of John. The narrative underscores the challenges faced by these figures, their steadfast belief in God, and the ultimate test of their loyalty. The speaker encourages the congregation to emulate this resilience, to persevere in faith despite life's hardships, and to find solace in the enduring presence of God.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The gathering is a moment to express gratitude and prayers to the Lord.
• 📖 The characters in the readings faced challenges in their faith and loyalty.
• 🗣️ Joshua's honesty and declaration to serve the Lord is highlighted.
• 🏆 The people were challenged to choose between the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the land they were living in.
• 🌊 The people chose to follow the Lord, believing He would protect and accompany them.
• 🤔 The challenge of understanding Jesus' teachings is discussed, with some finding it too difficult.
• 🚶‍♂️ Some disciples left Jesus after being challenged by His words.
• 😔 Jesus felt sadness over the disciples' inability to accept His teachings.
• 💪 The message encourages perseverance in faith despite life's challenges.
• 🌟 The tribes of Israel and the apostles are cited as examples of standing firm in faith.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the reading from the Book of Joshua?

The central theme is the challenge of loyalty and faith, where Joshua declares his commitment to serve the Lord and challenges the people to choose between the gods of their ancestors and the gods of the Amorites.

How did the people respond to Joshua's challenge in the first reading?

The people responded by affirming their choice to serve the Lord, the God who had been with them and supported them during their trials.

What does the term 'challenged' signify in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'challenged' signifies the trials and tests of faith that individuals face, which are meant to strengthen their belief and commitment to God.

What was the reaction of some of Jesus' disciples after hearing his teachings in the Gospel of John?

Some of Jesus' disciples were challenged by his teachings and found them hard to accept, leading them to return to their former way of life and no longer accompany Jesus.

How does the script describe Jesus' feelings towards his disciples after they expressed difficulty in accepting his words?

The script suggests that Jesus felt sadness, as if he wanted to say to those he had fed and satisfied, that they were turning away from him and forgetting his teachings despite the challenges.

What is the significance of the question 'Why are you still here?' as posed by Jesus in the script?

The question 'Why are you still here?' signifies a call for reflection on the disciples' and believers' commitment to Jesus and their faith, despite the challenges and trials they face.

What does the script encourage believers to do in the face of challenges to their faith?

The script encourages believers to be inspired by the examples of the tribes of Israel and the apostles, to hold on to their faith in God, and to continue believing and trusting in Him despite the challenges.

How does the script relate the experiences of the people of Israel and the apostles to the challenges faced by believers today?

The script relates the experiences by emphasizing that both the people of Israel and the apostles faced challenges to their faith, and it encourages modern believers to find strength in their faith, just as these historical figures did.

What is the message conveyed by the question 'Why are we still following, loving, Believing, and trusting in the Lord, despite everything?'

The message is one of enduring faith and commitment to God, suggesting that despite the hardships and challenges, the true believers continue to love, believe, and trust in the Lord.

What does the script suggest as the reason for continuing to believe in God despite life's difficulties?

The script suggests that the reason for continuing to believe in God is the presence and support of God in believers' lives, even when the circumstances are not always easy or pleasant.