Sermon: Softness of Heart: Navigating Change with Humility and Grace
The Gospel for this Sunday is deeply appropriate as we come to a time of transition in our parish life—a change that was quite unexpected. In the reality of life, there are always unplanned and unexpected circumstances. The central question for us is: how do we deal with them? How do we respond when life is derailed by circumstances beyond our control, when the path ahead is unclear, yet we must continue taking steps forward?
What is God’s way of preserving faith when moving forward is difficult?
When Jesus arrives on the scene, His persistent struggle is with the religious leaders—the people who held rigid expectations about themselves, their faith, their religion, and God. It wasn’t that the Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t want a Messiah; they certainly did. But they were not ready for this kind of Messiah. They wanted a Messiah they could manage, one who would affirm what they already knew and enforce what they already practiced. They were not prepared for a Savior who would walk into the temple, challenge their hearts, and demand free reign over their lives.
In short, they were not open to following. They wanted to lead.
Softness of Heart vs. Hardness of Heart
This dynamic touches the core of the religious landscape, whether in our personal lives, family relationships, or parish communities. What prevents us from living the life God desires for us—a life filled with peace, contentment, and faith?
It is the very obstacle we see in the religious leaders: hardness of heart.
Because they assumed they already knew everything, God had nothing to teach them through Jesus. Because they believed they already knew the path, Jesus had nowhere to lead them. Even when presented with signs that Jesus was the Messiah or that John the Baptist was a true prophet, their hardness of heart prevented them from responding in faith. They were unwilling to humbly admit that they might need to change direction.
What about us? We gather in this historic, beautiful church; we cherish its rich past and love its liturgy because it lifts our hearts and minds to God. Yet, we do not know its future. Are we willing to allow Jesus to lead us in ways we aren’t fully prepared for? Are we open to being surprised by what God wants to do in our lives? Is our love for God truly unconditional, making us willing to sit, listen, and be led?
Humility is the gateway to great faith. That is why Jesus spoke such striking words to the religious leaders of His day: “Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”
Jesus did not say this to belittle or cancel them. His words were a gracious invitation, urging them to examine their hearts. Was there room to humble themselves, admit their need for reform, and soften their hearts?
Finding Grace in Unexpected Places
Throughout my life, many people have made a profound impact on my faith journey. Some were people I fully expected to inspire me, like my philosophy professor, Jerry Campbell, who possessed a brilliant mind and a wonderful spirit. But others were completely unexpected.
I have a friend who is a retired military veteran. We originally bonded over a shared passion for motorcycles and speaking Polish. Early on, I had to gently remind him about his language, as he used phrases that weren’t quite suitable for church environments. On the surface, he seemed like someone who needed my guidance—he rarely attended church except for special occasions. Yet, I have rarely met a more generous human being, someone so instinctively ready to help and give of himself.
God frequently appears in extraordinary circumstances and through unexpected people. It can be humbling to look at someone who doesn’t practice all the traditional religious disciplines and realize that, through their genuine humility and love, they may be reflecting God’s heart in ways we are still learning to do.
When Jesus told the leaders that sinners were entering the Kingdom ahead of them, it wasn’t because of their sin—it was because of their softness of heart. They recognized their need for a Savior, admitted their shortcomings, and allowed God to transform them.
Moving Forward in Faith
None of us can foresee where our futures will lead. Those details are not for us to know. But if we remain on the path of humility and faithfulness, the future holds no fear. If God is with us, who can be against us? We do not need to have all the answers, provided we remain in relationship with the One who does.
My prayer for our time together is that it will be remembered for its moments of grace—how we have witnessed Christ to one another. No human relationship, no marriage, and certainly no priest is perfect. But we are offered the possibility of living with a “heart of flesh” rather than a heart of stone: a heart ready to forgive, quick to celebrate blessings, and swift to let go of shortcomings.
Let us pray:
Gracious God,
who guides us through every transition and unknown path:
Grant us softness of heart to hear your voice and humility to follow where you lead.
Remove all hardness of heart, spiritual pride, and rigid expectations,
that we may recognize your grace in unexpected places and people.
Keep us faithful in our love for you and one another,
and anchor our hearts in your abiding peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.