This homily explores the themes of awe, curiosity, and love as they relate to encountering Christ in everyday life, emphasizing how these elements can inspire a deep relationship with Jesus.

Life often deals us difficult situations, and we can't always choose our circumstances. We are called to carry our crosses and trust that God is present in every challenge, offering us help in every step.

Jesus draws intimately close to the deaf and mute man, physically engaging him to heal. This closeness mirrors the Incarnation itself: Jesus becoming human to intimately encounter and heal humanity.

Henry Nouwen’s sacramental theology reminds us we are beloved of God. When we accept we are taken, blest, broken, and given, it changes everything and reconnects us to God’s will through action.

It is not that people are consumed with the badness of life. That is not the issue. We are often consumed with the busyness of life. We are busy about many things, but whom do we serve? It goes back to that ode from Bob Dylan, whom to serve because we are going to serve someone. Are we going to serve ourselves and our freedom, or are we going to serve our Lord and delight in whatever he wants us to do.

Reflecting on the uplifting contrast between the distressing news we often see and the inspiring examples of human excellence found in the Olympics, this homily invites us to witness the glory of God in people who are fully alive.