Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest

Brief Background:

Saint Sharbel Makhlouf was a Maronite monk and hermit from Lebanon, renowned for his profound holiness, humility, and life of prayer. Born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf, he entered the Monastery of St. Maron at the age of 23, where he took the name Sharbel after an early Christian martyr. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he spent many years living as a monk before embracing an even more secluded life as a hermit, dedicating himself to the Eucharist, Scripture, fasting, manual labor, and continual prayer.

Although he lived a hidden life with little public recognition during his lifetime, countless miracles have been attributed to his intercession since his death in 1898. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage, and devotion to him has spread throughout the world. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977 and is remembered as a powerful witness that a life completely surrendered to God can bear abundant spiritual fruit.

Patron Saint of: Lebanon, those seeking healing (especially physical healing), and people striving for holiness through prayer, silence, and contemplative living.

REFLECTION:

This week's first reading from the prophet Jeremiah almost seems to summarize my week.

Over the past several days, I've had conversations with people who, at one time, were so excited and on fire for a particular ministry or committee. They generously said "yes" to serving God and our parish. But then, for different reasons, they became more distant. This week, several shared that they would be stepping away from their ministry or committee.

I understand that life changes. Sometimes health changes, family responsibilities grow, work becomes overwhelming, or God leads someone into a different season. There is no judgment in that.

But if I'm honest, it also made me reflect on how I was raised.

Maybe it's because I grew up in a small village on a small island. Maybe it's because of how my parents raised us. We were taught that when you commit to something, you stay with it. You remain faithful, especially when things become difficult. You trust that somehow God will give you the strength to see it through.

Then I found myself praying with today's first reading. "I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion." (Jeremiah 3:14)

That line struck me differently this time.

God isn't worried about numbers. Even if only one person remains faithful in a city...  Even if only two remain in a family...  God says, "I will gather them."

Throughout Scripture, God has never depended on large crowds. He has always accomplished extraordinary things through a faithful remnant—a few people willing to keep saying "yes."

That also helps us understand today's Gospel. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus reminds us that the difference is never the seed. The seed, God's Word, is always good. The question is whether our hearts remain good soil. Good soil doesn't simply receive the Word with enthusiasm. It allows the Word to take deep roots and continue bearing fruit over time.

That is why the life of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf is so inspiring. He spent most of his life hidden in a monastery and later as a hermit. By the world's standards, he seemed to accomplish very little. Yet because he remained faithful every single day—in prayer, silence, work, and the Eucharist—his life has borne fruit throughout the world. His witness reminds us that God measures faithfulness before He measures success.

As a pastor, there are moments when I could become anxious and wonder, "Who will fill these ministries? Who will continue the work?" But today's readings remind me that perhaps I'm asking the wrong question.

Instead of asking, "How many do we have?" maybe the better question is, "Who is willing to remain faithful?"

Because God has always done His greatest work through those who simply keep showing up, keep trusting Him, and keep saying yes.

May we each strive to become that kind of disciple—not merely enthusiastic at the beginning, but faithful to the end. For when God can count on even a few faithful hearts, He can accomplish far more than we could ever imagine.