Trusting God in Dire Straits - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Friends, our first reading is that wonderful story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, which is a kind of hidden gem in the Old Testament. Like so many of the stories in the Bible, it is very understated, but chock full of spiritual meaning. And it has to do with how we respond—and the strange and surprising ways God might respond to us— when things are toughest.

Mass Readings
Reading 1 — 1 Kgs 17:10-16
Psalm — Heb 9:24-28
Reading 2 — Heb 9:24-28
Gospel — Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

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[madams.]

At my rope’s end. Don’t know how much longer I can hang on. God speak to me, your servant is listening. I trust in You.

[elitereng]

My Sunday isn't complete without Bishop Barron's sermon. There always deep insights and this week is no different.

[marypinakat]

*Bishop Barron:* At those most dire moments when you think "I'm about to lose everything, " give away even the little you have and you will find it multiplied thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.

[phildelgiudice]

Love these sermons which always make my Sunday mass experience so much more meaningful.

[TruthWillprevail]

Lord Jesus grant me strength. I seem to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders as a single mom, I often face challenges that can seem insurmountable especially with raising two children with special needs. I’m trying to balance everything but Lord I’m struggling to make ends meet, to pay bills, and to put food on the table for my children. Jesus hear my prayers.❤️

[mariace]

It’s that time of the year where I would rather just crawl under a rock and wait for spring. It’s dark, stressful at work and all my social energies are spent. The Lord had someone site next me at Mass this morning and He put in my heart to sign up to greet at mass.

[adriancarrful]

*Be attentive especially to, The People that God sends to you* 🙏❤️

[lungilelethea]

I'm Lungile from south Africa, bishops Sunday homilies, edify my Sunday mass in a manner that is such a blessing, my self and my family are internally grateful.

[NUKE.]

What an anointed Shepherd; may God bless Bishop Barron.

[marykurdys]

I was at this point. Bad news over and over like a black cloud following us around. I sat in a hospital parking lot before going up to be with my extremely ill daughter who had just faced another setback and said, “Really, God? Again?”

And the thought suddenly came to me- God, I truly believe, said, “Haven’t I been here for her and for her husband and children - ALL if you this whole time? I’ve sent you scores of helpers- time after time. I will continue to. Trust in me.”

The thought, the words came so suddenly, in the midst of my tears and deep despair, that there’s no doubt in my mind, it WAS God.

Bishop Barron says, “When things are toughest, TRUST. Make an act of trust, an act of faith. And then, be ATTENTIVE to even the strange and surprising ways that God responds to you.”

My friends, no matter how dire the situation- personally, or more widely, make an Act of Faith.

Jesu Ufam Tobie,
Jesus, I trust in you.

[MsSeekerever]

This is so strange! I randomly picked up that verse of the Bible yesterday and the interpretation was "trust in God in the face of uncertainty". It's as if God is repeating his message to me through this magnificent homily!

[blueanina]

This is one of my favorite Bishop Barron sermons! Trust. Trust. 🙏

[MarilynBoussaid-ydvk]

These readings always remind me of Danny Thomas, the actor.

When Danny Thomas, as a young married man with a baby on the way, was down to his last few dollars, I think he had just $8 left, he went into a Catholic Church to pray. He prayed through the intercession of St. Jude Thaddeus, asking for guidance and help: “If I get a job as an actor, and if I’m successful, I will build you a shrine.” Then he put his last $8 in the poor box.

He got a job, became extremely successful in radio, TV, and film, and kept his promise by building St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
❤️❤️❤️

[alexrebello]

Thank you, Bishop Barron. Your homily today spoke to my heart! I must learn to trust particularly when the situation is hopeless! Hold my hand, dear Lord, and lead me on. (Fr. Alex)

[docgillygun]

Bishop Barron's sermons always hit home with wisdom that I need to hear and when I need to hear it. He is a blessing that has brought me much comfort and I am so very grateful that he takes the time to post these for us all.

[ashleygatewood]

..."be attentive to even the strange and surprising ways God responds to you"....beautiful sentiment.

[annatomani]

Thank you Bishop Barron for another beautiful sermon that touches the depth of our soul and being and encourages us to find out if we really trust in God in dire times or our faith is on the right track. God bless and have a blessed Sunday everybody. ✝️🙏❤️🇨🇦

[jimmyboeingbeep]

What a marvelous blessing that this bishop can add a new dimension to every lectionary, most often at church after hearing his sermon that same section of the lectionary is enhanced even further.

[mirandinadigesu]

Thank you Bishop Barron, for your Sunday sermon! Always arrives at the expected time. Wonderful and thank you. God Trinity bless us!

[valeriocritelli]

Bishop Robert Barren. You really explain well the first reading of the 32nd Sunday. A great lesson on trust, faith and obedience.