A Love That Heals and a Faith That Saves

Homiletic notes for Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

By Abba Jimmy

1. “It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone” (Genesis 2:18–25)

From the very beginning, God looked at man and saw that something was missing. Everything in creation had been declared “good,” yet here, for the first time, God says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” And so, He creates woman — not as a servant, not as an afterthought, but as a suitable partner, an equal, someone who shares his dignity and identity.

The way God creates woman is important. He does not take her from Adam’s head to be above him, nor from his feet to be beneath him, but from his side — close to his heart, meant to stand beside him. And when Adam sees her, he does not see something foreign or lesser than himself. Instead, he cries out in joy:

“This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!”

This is a celebration of unity, of complementarity, of the beauty of man and woman together. God designed us not to live in isolation but in communion — with each other and with Him.

This is why marriage is sacred. It is not a mere human invention; it is part of God’s plan, a reflection of His own love. Recently, couples have come seeking special blessings for their 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries. What a powerful testimony! These couples remind us that, despite life’s struggles, it is possible to remain faithful, to grow in love, and to experience the blessings that come from perseverance.

And yet, marriage is not just for the benefit of husband and wife — it is meant to point us to something even greater: our relationship with God. Just as a husband and wife become “one flesh,” so too does God desire to be united with us, to draw us close in love.

2. Faith Overcomes Barriers (Mark 7:24–30)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets a woman who, by all expectations, should have been ignored. She was a Gentile, not part of Israel, someone outside of God’s covenant with His chosen people. Yet, she comes to Jesus desperate for healing for her daughter.

At first, Jesus seems to push her away: “Let the children be fed first. It is not right to take their food and throw it to the dogs.” This statement can seem harsh, but Jesus is testing her faith. Will she give up? Will she walk away in despair? No! Instead, she responds:

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”

Her answer is remarkable. She does not argue or demand — she simply trusts in the abundance of God’s mercy. She understands that even the smallest grace from God is enough to transform a life.

And Jesus rewards her faith: “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.”

This moment is a turning point. Up until now, Jesus’ ministry was primarily to the Jewish people. But here, we see the door opening wider. Salvation is not about ancestry. It is not about being born into the right family or belonging to the right group. Faith, not bloodline, is what matters. This woman, a foreigner, understands something that many of Jesus’ own people had not yet grasped: God’s love is for all who seek Him.

This is Good News for us all! No matter our past, no matter where we come from, no matter what mistakes we have made — what matters is faith. Jesus does not ask for perfection. He asks for trust, perseverance, and a heart that refuses to give up.

3. The Crumbs That Are More Than Enough

This woman’s story also points us to something even deeper: the mystery of the Eucharist. She asks for “crumbs” from the table, and we remember that, in the Eucharist, Jesus Himself becomes the Bread of Life. What seems small — just a piece of bread, just a sip from the chalice — is actually more than enough to fill us completely.

This is why we must never take the Eucharist lightly. When we come forward to receive Communion, we are not just receiving a symbol — we are receiving Jesus Himself, the One who gives us strength, who heals our wounds, who makes us whole.

4. Living the Message: Communion and Faith

Today’s readings leave us with two important challenges:

1. Honor the dignity of marriage and relationships. Whether we are married, single, or widowed, we are called to live in communion — with each other and with God.
2. Persevere in faith. When we face difficulties, when it seems like God is silent, do not walk away. Like the Syrophoenician woman, trust that even the smallest grace from God is more than enough.

God’s love knows no barriers. His mercy is never exhausted. And His invitation is open to all who come to Him in faith.

Let us approach Him today with hearts full of trust, knowing that He is ready to bless us beyond what we could ever imagine.

Amen.