Faith and Obedience Work in Tandem

Homily for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

“Although Moses and Aaron performed various wonders in Pharaoh's presence, the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate, and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land.” That moment in Exodus is so striking—it highlights the dramatic tension between divine purpose and human resistance. Even with awe-inspiring signs, Pharaoh’s heart remains unmoved, which leads to even greater miracles later on.

The phrase "the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate" has sparked deep theological reflection for centuries. Some interpret it as an expression of God's sovereign plan unfolding, while others see it as Pharaoh hardening his own heart, with God confirming his choice. Either way, it's one of those ancient texts that keeps provoking thought.

Faith and obedience are a necessary part of all of our lives. Faith persists even in the face of human resistance: Moses and Aaron showed unwavering trust in God's plan, even when Pharaoh scoffed at their words and miracles. The disciples of Jesus persisted in their faith even when the Pharisees were critical of their faith in Jesus. Faith isn’t just about seeing—it's about opening the heart.

The passage also offers us considerations about obedience. Obedience isn’t about ease, but trust: Moses obeyed despite the danger and rejection. True obedience flows from conviction, not convenience. The disciples demonstrate their conviction even in the face of opposition from their elders.

There’s something beautiful about how faith and obedience, working in tandem, paved the way for liberation. That liberation can also inform our lives if we, like Moses and Aaron are persistent. As we celebrate the Eucharist, we are reminded that Jesus never lost faith in the Father’s love and never ran from the hard lessons that his faith and his obedience demanded of him.