Homily for Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

"You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink."  This proverb is believed to be one of the oldest and continuously used in the English-speaking world, first appearing in writing in 1175. It highlights a profound reality: we can guide people toward the truth, but we cannot force them to hear, see, or believe it.

One could argue that Jesus referenced this idea regarding some of the prophets and righteous people of His time, as He quoted the prophet Isaiah in today's gospel passage. Jesus used parables as a means to help people recognize and understand the Truth He came to share.

Each of us has areas in our lives where we might be blind or deaf to essential messages—even those that matter greatly to us. The reasons for this blindness or deafness vary from person to person.

Let us acknowledge our limitations in perceiving the message and presence of Jesus in our lives. We should ask the Holy Spirit to help us hear, see, and believe in the Truth.