2026 Cycle A - 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings
11th Sunday in Ordinary TimeExodus 19:2-6a; Psalm 100; Romans 5: 6-11; Matthew 9:36-10:8
Homily Theme
You Are His
This week just one word stands out and it brings all the readings together for me. In the first reading, God speaks through Moses to His people in the desert. All the earth belongs to God but they are to be for Him, His special possession, more precious to Him than all the other nations. In the psalm, we are reminded that we are His people, the sheep of His flock.
This Sunday here in the United States we celebrate Father's Day. It is a day when children of all ages remember their fathers and offer them their love and thank them for giving them life. It is a day when fathers thank God for their children. A Father believes that his sons and daughters are very special, more special than any other children because they are his.
As we remember our earthly fathers, let us remember Our Heavenly Father who gave us life. We are really special to Him, for we are His. St. Paul tells us that we are His because Jesus purchased our salvation with His own blood while we were still in our sins.
Fathers should also remember today to give thanks to God for allowing them to share in His fatherhood. God loves us more than any earthly father and they too are His sons. Today, children will offer their earthly fathers gifts in thanksgiving as a sign of their love.Let
us remember to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift of life which began at our conception.
All good fathers sacrifice for their children and God Our Father sent His Son Jesus to sacrifice His life for us. Today as we offer the Holy Mass, let us lift our hearts in love and thanksgiving.This is the greatest gift we can offer to Our Heavenly Father as we join our hearts to His.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls each of His Apostles by name. As you listen to those names being called, remember He called each of us by name, when we were given new life in baptism. Spend sometime after Mass in silent love before your God. Listen to Him as He calls you by name and feel His loving embrace for He is your Heavenly Father.
Remember: YOU ARE HIS!