Trusting God’s Will Over Our Own – Feb 16 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Feb 16, 2026, reflecting on the Gospel's call to walk in faith and trust in God, without demanding more signs, highlighting the Pharisees' hardened hearts and the importance of openness to grace, while encouraging reliance on guardian angels.

In today's homily, Father explains how the Gospel shows God inviting us to live with faith and trust, rather than always seeking miracles like the Pharisees did, even after seeing so many. He sighs because their hearts were closed to Jesus, teaching us that true faith needs an open heart ready for God's gifts. They tested God by wanting things their way, but we must align with His will. Jesus leaves them, showing how we can miss graces if we're not receptive. As we start the week, Father reminds us to turn to our guardian angels for help in following Christ with faith and trust, keeping our hearts open at all times.

Mark 8:11-12 - Pharisees demand a sign - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?11
John 20:29 - Blessed are those believing - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20?29
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is confidence in unseen - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11?1
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Faith seeks understanding - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s1c2a2.htm#94
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Hardness of heart - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#iv
Catechism of the Catholic Church - Guardian angels protect - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c1p5.htm#334

Ave Maria!

Mass: Monday 6th Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021626.cfm
1st: jam 1:1-11
Resp: psa 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76
Gsp: mar 8:11-13

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1595

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XfCQw-22EO4