Homilies about power

God Measures Greatness by Love, Not Status

The homily contrasts the scribes, who seek honor and abuse power, with the poor widow, who gives her all in humility. It warns against the temptation to use authority for personal gain and emphasizes that God measures greatness by love and sacrifice, not by worldly status or success.

Modern Idolatry: How Our Pursuit of Self, Money, and Power Leads to Exile

The homily connects the Old Testament readings from the Book of Kings, which detail Israel's repeated infidelity and subsequent destruction and exile, to modern-day idolatry. The priest argues that contemporary forms of idolatry—self-love, materialism, power, and pleasure—lead to similar societal breakdown and spiritual exile, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God's covenant of love for true restoration.

Why True Obedience to God is an Act of Love

The homily emphasizes God's immense power, as displayed in creation and miraculous events like Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal and Christ's resurrection. It then connects this power to the call for human faithfulness, explaining that true obedience to God's commandments is not a mere obligation but a result of love, exemplified by Jesus's perfect obedience to the Father.

The One Law Jesus Came to Fulfill: Love God and Neighbor

Joseph Equir

The homily emphasizes that Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, with the core law being love for God and neighbor. It contrasts the worship of false gods, like money and power, with the worship of the one true God, who proved himself through Elijah's challenge. The priest urges listeners to align their thoughts, words, and actions with love and to recognize God in those in need.

The Omnipotent God Who Holds You in His Hand

The homily reflects on the Old Testament story of Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal, highlighting God's omnipotence and incomprehensible power. It emphasizes that despite God's immense power, He holds each person in the palm of His hand and blesses them with His loving care, calling for gratitude for the gift of faith.