Homily on John 5:17-30: Seek the will of God

Homily on John 5:17-30: “I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”(Wednesday, the 2^nd of April 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

 Some time ago, a strong, hardworking man lived in a small, remote village. He was known for his devout prayer life and his guidance for those around him in discerning the will of God. One day the village was devastated and destroyed by a terrible flood. The villagers ran to the man saying, “Come, let us escape to the hills.” But the man simply replied, “I trust in God. He will save me.” The water continued to rise until it reached his doorstep. Eventually a boat came along and the boatman shouted to him, “Come, get in, or you will drown.” The man refused, saying, “God will save me.” As the water continued to rise further, the man climbed onto the roof. A helicopter came by, but again the man refused to be rescued trusting in God. Naturally, the man drowned and upon reaching the door of heaven, he asked God with curiosity, “Why did you not save me miraculously as this is what I had expected. God replied with a smile “I sent people, a boat, and even a helicopter, but you refused to listen. Miracles happen not only in extraordinary ways but through the ordinary events of everyday life.”

Many times, we think God’s will is something extraordinary. We also expect miracles but fail to recognise God’s hand in simple things. Jesus, very clearly, in today’s Gospel, gives us the key to experience miracles in our day to day lives when we do the will of God in all things. Jesus says, “I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” This is the essence of His life. Jesus never acted on His own. Every word, every action, was according to the will of His Father.

The Old Testament gives us an example. When Jonah was called to preach in Nineveh, he could not discern the will of God at first and therefore ran away. He wanted his own will, not God’s. But God corrected him through a storm and a great fish. It was only when Jonah saw and obeyed God’s will that the whole city repented. Obedience to the will of God brought salvation to many.

 St. Teresa of Avila aptly remarked, “To reach God, we must follow His way, not ours.” Jesus lived this truth perfectly. He did not seek comfort, honour, or power. He readily obeyed the will of the Father, even when it led to His suffering and death on the cross. At the pinnacle of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus entreated with total submission of his will, “Not my will, but yours be done.

 Today as we reflect on this Gospel passage we need to understand that God’s will is not always revealed in a loud voice from heaven. It often comes in a whisper like Elijah heard on Mt. Carmel as well as through prayer, scripture, the guidance of wise mentors, spiritual directors, and the teachings of the Church. Quite often, it is hidden in the simple quiet events of our daily life.

 God’s will is known in serenity and peace. When we take a path that is right, even if difficult, it brings an inner conviction and peace. It is also seen in love, that is, any action that leads us closer to God and helps others, without hurting anyone, is His will. Just as a compass always points to the north, a soul that sincerely seeks God’s will always come to know His will.

Seek God’s will in small, everyday decisions such as choosing truth over lies, love over hatred, forgiveness over revenge which are all matters of great importance. Moreover, it is listening to God’s voice through scripture and the events of our daily lives. One thing is certain that fulfilling God’s will is not always easy, but we can be sure that it always leads to a way of life ordained by God.

Today, it might be rewarding to ask ourselves; am I seeking my own will or God’s will in my  daily life? Or am I like Jonah running away from my responsibility and hiding, or am I like Jesus by surrendering my will completely to God’s? The man in the story waited for an extra ordinary intervention by God in the form of a miracle but in reality missed God’s will in the ordinary events of life. Let each one of us purposely try not to make the same mistake.

Lord, teach us to seek Your will in all things and follow You always. Amen.