In this homily, Fr. Stephen Osburn reflects on the familiar saying, “If you want to watch God laugh, tell Him your plans,” and connects it to the Gospel account of Herod. Herod believed he could protect his power by force, but God quietly carried out His plan through obedience and trust. God does not force us. He allows us to choose, and He invites us to follow Him freely.

Fr. Stephen reminds us that Christ did not come just to teach morals or improve society. He came to save us and bring us back into communion with God. From His birth to His resurrection, everything points to salvation and mission. Through baptism, we are given a new beginning and then sent into the world.

This message challenges the idea that life is about comfort or self fulfillment. Instead, we are called to carry the light of Christ into a dark world. God has alr ...