Becoming Holy in Imperfect Environments – Jan 14 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 14, 2026, explaining how saints became holy by recognizing God's presence and action even in messy, sinful environments, using the story of young Samuel's call at the scandalous sanctuary of Shiloh.

Father shares that saints didn't have perfect lives or surroundings; instead, they saw God working through the mess around them. He uses the example of Samuel living at Shiloh, where the priests' sons were corrupt, and their father Eli was too passive. Even in that scandalous place, God called Samuel, and Eli helped him learn to listen. Father reminds us that God condemns sin but still acts through imperfect people, including ourselves. We can find holiness by listening to God in tough situations and trusting Him to work through our weaknesses.

1 Samuel 3:1-21 - God's call to young Samuel - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/3
1 Samuel 2:12-25 - Eli's sons' sacrilegious acts - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2
CCC 2013 - God's call to holiness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#2013
CCC 2570 - Listening to God's voice - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c1a1.htm#2570
CCC 1996-2005 - Grace sanctifies sinners - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#II

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 1st Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011426.cfm
1st: 1sa 3:1-10, 19-20
Resp: psa 40:2-5, 7-10
Gsp: mar 1:29-39

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1567

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