Homily for the 2nd Sunday of the Year

18 & 19 January 2025, 2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

At first glance, today’s readings appear to focus on marriage, as both the Gospel and the first reading directly reference it. However, these passages go much deeper, using marriage as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity. The emphasis is not merely on the union between a man and a woman but on the profound connection between the divine and humankind, seen through the lens of marriage.

From the very beginning, God’s plan for humanity included the instruction to “Go out and bear fruit.” This command was more than an order; it reflected the essence of human nature and the purpose for which we were created. God later reaffirmed this directive to Noah, adding the promise, “I will make a name for you.”

Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. From Shem’s lineage came Abraham, David, and ultimately, Jesus. In contrast, the descendants of Ham and Japheth chose a path of self-reliance and pride. They gathered together to build the Tower of Babel, declaring, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” The tower symbolized their desire for security, autonomy, and self-fulfillment, rejecting dependence on God and alienating themselves from others. Babel also represented a rejection of diversity and the unfamiliar, as they sought to maintain a singular language and identity.

In contrast to this self-centered ambition, marriage—particularly the role of the bride and mother—offers a model of self-giving and openness. In marriage, a woman traditionally gives up her name, symbolizing her commitment to another. Motherhood extends this self-gift even further, as a woman sacrifices more than most can comprehend. During pregnancy, she literally “eats for two,” giving her body over to nurture another life. After birth, this profound connection continues in the lifelong bond between mother and child.

Motherhood and womanhood stand in stark contrast to the values of the Tower of Babel. They require stepping into the unknown, embracing another life that is both deeply connected to and distinct from one’s own. These roles often involve relinquishing self-direction and personal fulfillment to prioritize the needs of another. Yet, in today’s society, these sacrifices are sometimes viewed as burdens. Motherhood and womanhood are often framed as obstacles to personal freedom or as forms of repression.

To God, however, motherhood and womanhood are sacred participations in His creative work. They are profound gifts that should be cherished and honored by any civilized society. Furthermore, the bride’s relationship with her husband reflects humanity’s ideal relationship with God. This is the deeper meaning behind today’s Scripture readings.

In Isaiah, God promises to wed His people, symbolizing a covenant of love and faithfulness. In the Gospel, the wait is over: Jesus is revealed as the bridegroom who fulfills this divine promise. The ultimate consummation of this relationship occurs in the Passion, where Jesus offers Himself completely for us on the cross.

This mystery invites us to reflect on how we relate to others. Life inherently brings us into relationships, which can be challenging. Differences in thought, speech, and action often tempt us to isolate ourselves, much like the descendants of Ham and Japheth. They sought security by rejecting others and building walls. This same tendency can arise in marriage, family, and broader relationships.

True unity and peace can only be achieved by imitating the bride’s relationship with Christ, the groom. This means opening ourselves to God, prioritizing His will, and trusting in His plan. God’s will is not a suppression of our desires but the path to discovering our true identity as His beloved.

The Passion is where God gives Himself entirely to us, but this self-giving continues in the Eucharist. During the Divine Liturgy, God unites with humanity in a profound way. Just as a husband and wife become one body without losing their individuality, so too do God and humanity become one through the Eucharist. By participating in the liturgy, we share in Christ’s Passion and resurrection.

When we receive communion, we enter into this divine relationship and unite ourselves with God’s will. Like Mary, we are called to respond with faith and humility, saying, “May it be done to me according to Your word.” In doing so, we reflect the love, trust, and self-gift that defines the relationship between humanity and God. Amen.