HOMILY FOR 16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B

HOMILY FOR 16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE INVITATION TO REST AND THE CALL TO COMPASSION

BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 22; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

In our gospel reading today (Mark 6:30–34), the apostles returned from proclaiming the Good News, healing the sick, and driving out demons. They have been working tirelessly, using their gifts and talents to serve others. When they returned to Jesus, they were exhausted from work.

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When Jesus saw how tired they were, he knew that they needed to recharge their batteries, renew their spirits, and refocus their energies. So, he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

When Jesus invites us to rest, he is not suggesting we slack off or be lazy. Instead, he is encouraging us to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty in the here and now. He is inviting us to take a break from our busy lives and focus on what’s happening in this moment. It’s an opportunity to be fully present for the people we love, to enjoy the simple things, and to listen to God’s gentle guidance and wisdom in our hearts (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, July 25, 2010).

Think about it like this: When was the last time you took a moment to reflect on your relationship, family, and marriage? When was the last time you had a conversation without checking your phone or thinking about your to-do list? When was the last time you took a deep breath, looked around, and appreciated the beauty of nature or the people around you?

That’s what Jesus is inviting us to do—to be renewed, fully present, and engaged in the present moment, without distractions. It’s an invitation to cultivate mindfulness, nurture our relationships, and deepen our connection with God and each other.

But just when Jesus and his disciples were about to take a well-needed rest in a deserted place (Mark 6:31), a crowd of people saw them and rushed to meet them on foot, beating them to the location. As Jesus and his apostles arrived, they saw a huge crowd of people, and Jesus felt a deep sense of compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, without spiritual guidance or direction (Mark 6:34).

As followers of Jesus, we’re always struggling to be as kind and compassionate as He is. And let’s be real: It’s easy to ignore people who need our help and pretend we don’t see them. Sometimes we tell ourselves that it’s not our problem, or that helping them will make them lazy. But the truth is, Jesus didn’t make excuses like that. He saw people in need, and he helped them, no matter what.

Kitty Genovese was brutally attacked and killed outside her New York apartment building in 1964, but her neighbors shockingly failed to intervene despite her desperate cries for help. Her neighbors heard her pleas, but not one person rushed to her aid or even called the police to save her life. This raises a disturbing question: why didn’t anyone help her? Why didn’t someone at least call the police?

When we’re in a group, it’s easy to assume that someone else will take charge and help someone in need. We might think, “Someone else is more qualified or capable than me,” or “Why should I be the one to intervene?” We often look to others for cues on how to react in a group. If no one else is helping, we assume it’s not necessary.

This way of thinking can lead to a dangerous cycle where everyone assumes someone else will take care of the situation and no one does. When we’re in a group, we can also feel like we’re not accountable for our actions since we can blend in and remain anonymous. As the saying goes, “Evil flourishes when good men do nothing.”

When we assume someone else will help, we risk leaving someone in need to fend for themselves, like what happened to Kitty Genovese. That’s why it’s important to take personal responsibility and not count on others to step up. We can’t just stand by and do nothing.

In 2015, Hugo Alejandroe was beaten and left lying in the street in Philadelphia. A bystander named Andrea Walker saw the whole thing and, instead of assuming someone else would help, she took action. She called 911 and stayed with Hugo until the ambulance arrived.

Andrea’s actions saved Hugo’s life, and her story is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when faced with the Genovese or the bystander effect. She didn’t assume someone else would step up; she took individual responsibility and acted.

As Andrea said in an interview, “I just did what anybody should do. I didn’t want to just walk by and leave him there.”

We all have the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life, no matter how small or big. When we see someone struggling or in need, we can’t just stand by and do nothing. Instead, we can take charge and show kindness and compassion, just like Jesus did when he saw the crowd.

He didn’t just stand by; he took action and helped them. We can do the same thing in our daily lives, whether it’s helping someone in need or simply being there for someone who needs a friend. By taking personal responsibility and showing we care, we can make a real impact and be a force for positive change in the world.

As Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Our actions speak louder than words, and by taking steps to help others, we can spread love, kindness, and compassion without needing to say a thing.

Today, Jesus extends an invitation for rest and renewal to each of us while also encouraging us to cultivate a spirit of compassion towards those in need. Let’s be like Jesus, who showed compassion to the crowd, and like Andrea, who saved a life by taking action. Remember, taking time to rest and recharge is a chance to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Amen.

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