A simple homily on Luke 9:51-56, using the story of a lion to reflect on Jesus’ determination to do the Father’s will, with lessons for family and daily life.(30-9-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
In a big forest, a lion once hunted for many days. The prey was clever, and the path was difficult. The lion could have given up many times, tired and frustrated. But it did not. Its eyes stayed fixed on its goal. Step by step, it moved patiently and courageously, ignoring all distractions. Finally, the lion could catch its prey, not only because the lion was the strongest of all animals, but also because it never deviated from its aim.
We read in the Gospel today that Jesus “set his face towards Jerusalem.” Jesus was walking towards a goal, but it was not for Himself. It was for God’s will. He knew the road would be hard. He knew people might reject Him, misunderstand Him, or even hate Him. Yet He did not stop. His heart was firm. His eyes were fixed on God’s plan.
On the way the Samaritans refused to welcome Jesus, but Jesus did not respond with anger. He did not fight back. He just walked on. Like the lion who keeps moving patiently toward its goal, Jesus showed that true strength is in staying calm, loving, and forgiving.
The Old Testament also speaks about being firm in doing God’s will. Isaiah wrote about the Suffering Servant who “set his face like flint.” He faced suffering and rejection for God’s plan. Jesus fulfilled that promise. His determination came from a heart that completely loved the Father.
St Jerome, whose feast we celebrate today, once said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” If we read the Bible, we see Jesus’ determination in every story. We learn from Him how to fix our hearts on God’s will, even when life is difficult or people reject us.
This Gospel speaks to our daily life too. In family life, sometimes words hurt. Sometimes misunderstandings make us feel sad. In religious life, our work may go unnoticed. It is easy to get angry or upset. But Jesus calls us to be like the lion, steady and determined in doing what is right, yet patient and gentle in our hearts. Like Joseph forgiving his brothers or Abraham moving forward without seeing the whole path, we are called to keep our eyes on God.
A determined heart, like the lion, will not be shaken by rejection. A heart fixed on God’s will will continue walking, continue loving, and continue forgiving.
“Lord, give me a determined heart to pursue Your will in my daily life.”
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God Bless…
Oh! Great reflection
Good reflection, Thank you Fr, Nirmal Mary SAB,