17TH THURSDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

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17TH THURSDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE NET OF GOD’S LOVE

BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa

Jer 18:1-6; Psalm 145(146):2-6; Matt 13:47-53

Our gospel reading (Matthew 13:47–53) speaks to us through the life and work of Saint Alphonsus Liguori. Just like a fishing net that catches all sorts of fish, Saint Alphonsus’ ministry was all about embracing everyone with open arms. He showed us what it means to love without conditions and accept people just as they are, revealing God’s endless mercy and love for each and every one of us.

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Saint Alphonsus Liguori lived his life as a fishing net, bringing together the good and the bad, the saint and the sinner. He ministered to the poorest of the poor, the most marginalized, and those deemed “bad fish” by society. He recognized the innate goodness in every individual—the unquenchable spark of God’s love.

Joseph’s life had hit rock bottom. He’d gotten mixed up with a gang and ended up in jail, and now he was struggling to pick up the pieces. No one wanted to hire him, and his community shunned him. Feeling lost and alone, he wandered the streets, wondering if things would ever turn around.

That’s when he stumbled upon Saint Alphonsus’ mission—a beacon of hope in his darkest hour. Saint Alphonsus took Joseph under his wing, offering him a warm meal, a safe place to stay, and a listening ear. But most importantly, he showed Joseph a better way. As Joseph experienced his kindness and learned from his teachings, he began to feel the weight of his past. He started to see that he wasn’t alone, that God loved him, and that he deserved a second chance.

Joseph’s transformation was nothing short of remarkable. He went from being a lost soul to a man of God, dedicating his life to helping others who felt just as lost and alone as he once did. He became a priest, joining the Redemptorist congregation, and spent his days spreading the message of God’s love and redemption.

Joseph’s story is a powerful example of how Saint Alphonsus’ ministry provided a safety net for those feeling rejected and abandoned, showing us that God’s love can lift us up from our darkest moments and transform our lives through His mercy. Saint Alphonsus’ approach was all about embracing everyone, just as they are, and sharing God’s boundless love—no judgment, no exceptions. He reminded us that everyone deserves love, care, and compassion, regardless of background.

As we reflect on his life, may we learn to cast our own nets wide, embracing all people with the love and compassion of Christ. May we see the goodness in each person, even in those deemed “bad fish” by the world. And may we, like Saint Alphonsus Liguori, become instruments of God’s merciful love, gathering in all and revealing the transformative power of His love. Amen.

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