Christ’s Victory Over Suffering and Death – Jun 02 – Homily – Fr Ignatius

 

Fr Ignatius gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 02, 2025, on how true peace, found only in Christ, surpasses worldly troubles, as Jesus declares in John 16: 33.

Father reflects on the challenges of living as a Christian in a fallen world, drawing from John 16: 33, where Jesus warns, “In the world you will have trouble,” but reassures us to “take courage” because He has “conquered the world.” He notes that many Christians, especially in America, expect a trouble-free life, but suffering is inescapable due to human sinfulness and a world often hostile to the Gospel. Father cites the situation in Washington State, where priests face jail for upholding the seal of confession, illustrating obedience to God over men, as in Acts 5: 29. This call to prioritize God, as taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 225, echoes the courage of priests who never anticipated such trials. Father emphasizes that true peace, unlike fleeting worldly comfort, comes from faith in Christ, referencing John 16: 33 again to highlight Jesus’ promise of peace in Him. He shares the testimony of Romanian Christian prisoners who, despite horrific conditions, found profound peace and joy in God’s presence, underscoring that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension give Him ultimate victory over suffering, as also reflected in CCC 1808 on fortitude. Father concludes that this divine peace sustains believers even in the darkest moments, affirming Christ’s final word.

For Further Reading
John 16: 33 - NAB - Jesus’ promise of peace amidst trouble - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?33
Acts 5: 29 - NAB - Obeying God over human authority - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?29
Catechism of the Catholic Church #225 - Obedience to God’s will - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/225.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1808 - Virtue of fortitude in trials - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1808.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2847 - Holy Spirit and peace - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2847.htm

Ave Maria!

Mass: Sts. Marcellinus and Peter - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=77
Readings: Monday 7th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060225.cfm
1st: act 19:1-8
Resp: psa 68:2-7
Gsp: joh 16:29-33

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1084&r=1727

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