Homily: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Isaiah 66:10-14, Galatians 6:14-18, Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
6 July 2025
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
What does it mean to be called to serve the Lord? In today’s gospel we hear about the seventy-two (72) disciples whom Jesus sent as His advance party to all the towns He intended to visit. Jesus had very specific instructions for them to carry hardly anything and to humbly accept whatever is offered to them, wishing peace upon the homes they visit —regardless of whether it is well-received or rejected. They returned rejoicing because their mission was a success.
We all like the feeling of success — when things go well, when the plan works, when people notice our efforts, talents, and ingenuity. That is what the seventy-two (72) disciples felt in today’s gospel passage. Jesus had sent them out with nothing — no money, no bags, just TRUST — and still, they came back triumphant. In their excitement they exclaimed: “Even the demons obey us!” (Luke 10:17) They were thrilled. “It worked!”
You all know that I sing the consecration part at mass. I do not always manage to sing it perfectly but one time, by God’s grace, it went exceptionally well! Afterward, people came up to say, “Ang ganda po ng pagkakanta niyo, Father.” (You sang it so beautifully, Father!”) It was affirming… and honestly, part of me enjoyed it. I stopped one of my well-wishers and asked, “What did you like most about it?” She smiled and said, “Father, it helped me pray better. It helped me focus more on God.” That response grounded me. It reminded me: It is not about performance but it is about presence. It is not about being admired, but about helping others encounter the Lord.
Jesus lovingly cautions the disciples in the gospel passage: “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) In short: We should not base our joy on what we have done. Rather, let us rejoice in who we are and to whom we belong, which is our identity as Christians and as children of God. Let us never forget that real joy comes not from what we do for God, but from knowing we belong to Him.
We live in a world obsessed with results — grades, numbers, likes, outcomes. We know that feeling when we post something online — and we keep checking if people are liking it? One “heart,” two “likes,” three “wow” reactions… And when no one reacts, we start wondering, “Did I say something wrong? Am I invisible?” We live in a world that rewards visibility, results, and approval. But today’s Gospel reminds us: “Heaven does not measure us by likes or success — but by LOVE.” And the greatest joy is not in being noticed — it is in being known by God. Even in church work, we can easily fall into this. But God does not define us by performance. He defines us by love.
St. Paul echoes this in the Second Reading: “I will boast only in the cross.” (Galatians 6:14) He has no reason to brag about his achievements, rather he delights in Christ’s love. He is humbled by the opportunity to continue the mission of Jesus, by reason of which he now carries the marks of Jesus on his body. For us Christians, the cross is not a symbol of success — it is a sign that one is loved, even in his/her weakness. It is the same for us today, especially for those who are actively serving in the church or doing a ministry to uplift the lives of others. Whether in singing, preaching, or serving, the goal is never to impress but to inspire. We are here to serve, not to shine.
It is Isaiah who reminds us that God delights in us not because of what we produce or accomplish but rather because we are His. (Isaiah 62:4) He does not care if we are less than perfect. God’s joy and peace do not come through perfection, but through a deep relationship with Him. Hence, it is enough that we accept His friendship and allow Him to journey with us in life.
Thus, this week, whether we experience winning or losing, strength or extreme tiredness, success or defeats, let us remember these three (3) things:
First, let us rejoice not in results but in the fact that we belong to God.
Second, let us boast not in success but in the cross of Christ.
Third, let us rest not in perfection but in the arms of a loving and merciful God.
Our names are written in heaven. We are known. We are loved. And this is more than enough reason to rejoice!
Sunday Gospel Reflections 