Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney — 16 November 2025
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP delivered his homily during the Solemn Mass for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. He reflected on the call of Christians to remain steadfast in faith amid uncertainty and change.
The Challenge of the Present
The Archbishop spoke about how every generation faces moments of turmoil — whether political, cultural, or personal — when God invites believers to deeper trust. He reminded the faithful that following Christ does not depend on ideal circumstances but on perseverance through adversity.
“Faithfulness is not tested when times are easy,” he said, “but when everything around us seems to crumble.”
He encouraged the congregation to view current global and moral challenges not as reasons for despair but as opportunities to witness to hope and virtue.
Perseverance and Hope
Referencing the Gospel reading for the day, Archbishop Fisher reflected on Jesus’ words about endurance: that salvation comes to those who remain steadfast. This, he said, is the essence of Christian discipleship — to hold on to faith even when hope feels distant.
He highlighted how small acts of goodness, honesty, and compassion serve as signs of Christ’s kingdom breaking through the world’s confusion.
“Our faith must be visible in the way we respond to fear, conflict, and need,” he urged. “It is in these very moments that we show what we truly believe.”
Being Faithful Today
The Archbishop invited listeners to be attentive to God’s presence in daily life. True faith, he explained, is not nostalgia for the past or anxiety about the future, but fidelity to God’s call in the present moment.
He concluded with a blessing for the people of Sydney, praying that the Holy Spirit would strengthen their courage and joy as they prepare for Advent.
“Be faithful now,” he said, “for this is the time of grace.”
Author’s summary: Archbishop Fisher’s homily calls believers to stay faithful and hopeful amid uncertainty, seeing the present moment as the place where God’s grace is most active.
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