In this homily, Fr Antony Charles shares a story about a man stranded in the Atlantic Ocean and who was miraculously rescued by a helicopter from nowhere. Salvation, like the man's rescue, is a gift that we cannot earn through our own efforts but comes through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

While salvation is freely offered, we must respond to it by embracing the sacraments, living a life of obedience to God, and witnessing through good works. Salvation demands cooperation from us - a cooperation of God's grace and human's freedom.

The example of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a model of cooperation with God's grace. Her steadfast faith and obedience to God's Will led to her eternal union with Jesus in heaven. Similarly, can we do the same and not take for granted?

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. (23 November 2024)