Jesus Proclaims Salvation for All Peoples – Mar 09 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 09, 2026, unpacking Jesus' mission in Luke 4 to bring salvation to all nations, using Elijah and Elisha, while warning against hardened hearts that reject the Messiah, especially in Lent.

In today's Gospel from Luke 4, Jesus teaches in his hometown synagogue that his mission extends to all people, not just the Jews. He cites examples like Elijah helping a widow in Zarephath and Elisha healing Naaman the Syrian, both outsiders. This angers the crowd, who try to throw him off a cliff, but Jesus escapes because his hour has not yet come. The homily highlights how hardened hearts prevented them from recognizing the Messiah. During Lent, we are reminded not to let trials harden our hearts or make us angry with God. Instead, trust in Jesus' plan, pray "Jesus, I trust in You," and allow Christ to renew us for Easter victory.

Luke 4:25-27 – Gospel prophets examples – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/4?25
1 Kings 17:8-16 – Elijah widow Zarephath – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/17?8
2 Kings 5:1-14 – Naaman healing leprosy – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/5?1
CCC 543 – Jesus mission revelation – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/543.htm
CCC 589 – Messiah rejection hardness – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/589.htm
CCC 1257 – Salvation baptism necessity – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1257.htm

00:00 - Sign of the Cross
00:20 - Universal Salvation Mission
00:50 - Elijah and Elisha Examples
01:15 - Crowd's Anger Rejection
01:50 - Hardness of Heart
02:20 - Lenten Trust Renewal

Ave Maria!

Mass: Monday 3rd Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm
1st: 2 Kings 5:1-15
Resp: Psalms 42:2, 3, 43:3, 4
Gsp: Luke 4:24-30

More on the Readings: http://airmaria-local.local/r?m=1752

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9H-z7fPiCk