God’s Delay is not God’s Denial
In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel Villanueva emphasized a powerful truth: God’s delay is not God’s denial. From the outset, he reminded the faithful that God always works according to His time, His will, and His purpose—not ours. Therefore, we must learn to develop patience as we wait for Him to fulfill our deepest desires.
In the Gospel, Martha expressed her belief that Lazarus would rise again in the resurrection. However, Jesus redirected her understanding by declaring that He Himself is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him will live and will never die. Through this, Jesus revealed that His power is not limited to the future but is present here and now.
Likewise, this message applies directly to us. We must believe in what Jesus can do, even when His timing differs from our expectations. In today’s fast-paced world, we often crave instant results—even in our prayers. Yet God invites us to trust and remain faithful. Indeed, God’s delay is not God’s denial; rather, it is an opportunity for us to grow in faith.
Furthermore, Jesus’ resurrection is not just a past event; it remains ever-present—alive in the past, active in the present, and certain in the future. Because of this, we can face life with hope and confidence. Every problem we encounter comes with God’s grace and solution.
Ultimately, those who truly believe in Jesus should not lose hope. Instead, they must remain faithful and become doers of His Word. As we continue our journey, may we always remember: God’s delay is not God’s denial, but His loving way of preparing something greater.
Fifth Sunday of Lent – March 22, 2026
First Proclamation: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130
Second Proclamation: Romans 8:8-11
Gospel Proclamation: John 11:18-27
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