Homily on Luke 11:14-23, See Goodness in Others

Homily on Luke 11:14-23, See Goodness in Others, (Thursday, the 27^th of March 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

A village was located close by a broad fast-flowing river which was dangerous to cross most especially in the rainy season. One day a man of that village, who was rich and kind –hearted, took initiative to build a strong bridge across the river so that the villagers could travel safely. He used his own funds for the project and worked day and night until the bridge was completed.  The villagers became very happy and were deeply delighted as they could now cross the risky river in safety.

Day after day people used the bridge to go to market, visit their friends, and take their children to school. Although the villagers life was made easier for everyone, not everyone was grateful. Rather than appreciating the man’s extraordinary kindness they began to whisper among themselves. “Why did he build this bridge? Did anyone ask him to do it?” and even “ it is to get  more customers to his shop.” “No one spends so much effort without a selfish reason.”

As the hateful rumours spread some villagers began to doubt his intentions. They completely ignored the fact that what he had done for them had made their lives better in many ways and refused to see the goodness behind his actions. But the bridge stood strong and was an enormous help to everyone regardless of whether they were grateful or not. The man, though hurt by the words of the villagers he had helped, chose to ignore their ingratitude and continued with his work. He knew that his gift was given without repayment and true kindness does not seek praise.

In today’s gospel Jesus experienced the same ingratitude after he healed a man born dumb from birth. After seeing the man could now speak, it should have been a moment of grateful rejoicing for everyone. Instead of seeing the goodness in Jesus’ work, some accused Him that His miracle was performed only by demonic powers. They refused to accept that His power came from God.

This is a common weakness in human nature. Even when we see goodness we sometimes refuse to acknowledge it. In the Old Testament also we see the same thing. For example, when Moses led the people out of Egypt, they saw great miracles God worked by the hands of Moses.  Furthermore, God parted the Red Sea for them. He gave them manna from heaven. Yet, instead of being grateful, many complained. They doubted Moses, questioned God, and even wanted to return Egypt, the land of slavery.

A similar attitude can be seen in the life of St. John Mary Vianney. He was a simple priest who preached with great love and through his words, many thousands were converted. People wept, repented, and turned back to God. But one of his fellow priests, instead of seeing the conversion of many, criticised him. “There is no theology in his preaching,” he complained. Perhaps through jealousy the priest refused to see the power of God at work in people’s hearts. Instead of rejoicing in their transformation he found fault with the preacher.

Saint Teresa of Avila once said, “If you see something good in someone, speak of it. If you see something bad, pray for them.” But often, we do the opposite. We see goodness and are quick to find fault. When we do see kindness we often question motives.

The Pharisees did not deny that Jesus had power, because they saw miracles with their own eyes. But instead of accepting that His power came from God, they accused Him of working with the devil. Jesus warns them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined” (Lk 11:17). A house cannot stand if it is divided. A heart that refuses to see good will never find peace.

During this Lenten season, let us examine our hearts. Do we criticise more than we appreciate? Do we find fault in others when we should see their goodness? Lent is a time of conversion. Let us use this season to change our attitude. Instead of looking for the faults in others, let us learn to recognise and celebrate the goodness around us.

 Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, open the hearts of every one of us to see goodness in others, and rejoicing with them, we may give greater glory to You. Amen.

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God Bless…