Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s readings speak quietly, but clearly, about trust, patience, and the love of God that never runs out.

The first reading tells the story of Abram and Sarai—a couple who had waited a long time for God’s promise. God had told Abram he would have many descendants, as many as the stars. But years passed. Still no child. Sarai, weary and heartbroken, took matters into her own hands. She told Abram to have a child with her servant, Hagar. And though the child, Ishmael, was born, it brought pain, not peace. There was tension, jealousy, and in the end, Hagar was sent away.

We know this story—not just with our heads, but with our hearts. We too have known what it feels like to wait, and wait, and see no change. We’ve prayed. We’ve hoped. We’ve trusted as best we could. But sometimes, like Sarai, we reach for our own solutions, because God’s promises feel far off.

And yet, even then, God is still working. He does not abandon Hagar or her son. In fact, God makes a new promise to Ishmael, a blessing born in the midst of pain. That’s the mercy of God: even when we make wrong turns, He walks with us. He works through our weakness.

The psalm today is a quiet song of thanks: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Not once or twice, but always. That’s the kind of love we can build our lives on. Not a love that depends on us getting everything right. Just a steady, faithful love that endures.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us that clear image: two houses. One built on rock, the other on sand. When the storm comes—and it always comes—the difference shows. The house on sand collapses. The one on rock holds firm.

Jesus is telling us: it’s not enough to hear His words—we must live them. To build on rock means to put His words into action. To be kind. To forgive. To serve. To trust. Day by day. Quietly. Steadily.

How often do we find ourselves, like Abram and Sarai, trying to hurry God along? How often do we build on things that shift and change—success, comfort, approval—instead of the solid ground of God’s will?

Still, God invites us again: trust me. Stay with me. Build your life on my Word.

Here in Zimbabwe, we carry many burdens—poverty, corruption, inequality, loadshedding. But even here, especially here, we are called to build on rock. To stand firm in faith. To care for those who are forgotten. To live out the Gospel in small, faithful ways.

We are not alone. God gives us help. He gives us the sacraments—especially the Eucharist—to nourish us. Here, in this Mass, we receive Jesus Himself. He strengthens us to keep going, to keep loving, to keep building.

So, let us take a quiet moment now to pray with these three questions:

• Where in my life am I still trying to take control, instead of trusting God’s time?
• What is one teaching of Jesus I need to live more deeply this week?
• What small act of love or trust can I offer today?

May we walk gently with the Lord this day. May we trust His timing, build on His Word, and let His love shape every choice we make.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unwavering love and your constant presence in our lives. Help us to trust in your timing, even when we do not understand your ways. Grant us the grace to build our lives on the solid rock of faith, so that we may withstand any storm. Inspire us to live out our faith in tangible ways, through acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In preparing this homily, I consulted various resources to deepen my understanding of today’s readings, including using Magisterium AI for assistance. The final content remains the responsibility of the author.