The Ladder Homilies

Why do we suffer? In this Lenten homily, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos challenges the common assumption that suffering is the result of sin. Reflecting on Christ’s healing of the man born blind, he teaches that every circumstance—both suffering and blessing—is an opportunity to encounter God. As the blind man’s vision is restored, we are invited to move from questioning God to recognizing Him, and ultimately to worshiping Him.

Recorded on March 22, 2026

In this reflection on the Annunciation, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos highlights Mary’s courageous response to God’s call. Her willingness to risk everything for God’s mission reminds us that true faith means surrendering our will and becoming partners in God’s work of salvation.

On the 36th day of Great Lent and the day of prayer for the Church (Kauma), Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas reflects on the healing of the man born blind in John 9. While the miracle begins with the restoration of physical sight, it ultimately reveals something deeper—the opening of spiritual vision. As the healed man gradually comes to recognize Jesus first as a man, then a prophet, and finally as the Son of God worthy of worship, we are reminded that true healing is not just seeing with our eyes but recognizing Christ with the eyes of our hearts. This Lenten message challenges us to move beyond worldly vision and ask God to enlighten our inner sight so that we may truly see His presence and truth. ✝️

In this reflection on the healing of the bent-over woman, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos highlights Christ’s urgent compassion. After 18 years of suffering, Jesus does not delay—even though it is the Sabbath. This powerful message reminds us that God’s desire is always to free us from the burdens that bind us.

In this powerful reflection on Matthew 15:21–28, Rev. Fr. Vijay Thomas explores the persistent faith of the Canaanite woman who refused to give up when seeking Christ’s mercy. Using the image of negotiation and value, this sermon reminds us that while we often try to bargain in life, there is no bargaining with God. Christ has already paid the ultimate price through His sacrifice on the cross. During Lent, believers are called to respond with wholehearted faith—by giving, forgiving, and offering their lives fully to God.

Many approach Great Lent as a time to accomplish spiritual goals—fasting better, praying more, and proving our faith. But the Church teaches something deeper. In this homily, Rev. Dn. Shojil Abraham explains that Lent is not about spiritual achievement but about spiritual healing. Through the example of the persistent mother in the Gospel and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are reminded that true repentance begins when we stop trying to prove ourselves and instead humbly cry out for God’s mercy.

In this powerful Lenten homily, Rev. Fr. Abey George reflects on the remarkable faith of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21–28), an outsider who refused to give up on Christ—even when ignored, tested, and seemingly rejected. While the disciples questioned her presence, she responded with unwavering persistence: “Lord, help me.”

Fr. Abey reminds us that our repeated struggles—those prayers that seem unanswered, the same sins confessed again and again, the tensions in marriage and family life—are not signs of God’s absence. Rather, they are opportunities to cultivate two essential virtues: patience and faith. As Christ says, “By your patience, possess your souls” (Luke 21:19).

Drawing from the example of Moses in the wilderness and the perseverance of St. Silouan of Mount Athos, this homily challenges us to remain steadfast in prayer, even in spiritual dryness. Through our struggles—not without them—God shapes our souls, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for lasting joy.

This Lent, don’t run from the struggle. Stay. Persevere. Through patience and faith, gain your soul.

As Great Lent reaches its midpoint, Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John reflects on the powerful pattern found in the Gospel readings of the Lenten Sundays—the Wedding at Cana, the healing of the leper, the paralytic, and the Canaanite woman. Each story reveals a different way Christ encounters His creation: transforming nature, touching the rejected, commanding healing, and even restoring someone from afar. Yet behind every miracle is the same truth—someone asked. In this homily, Fr. Gheevarghese reminds us that God is always near and able to heal, but He invites us to come to Him in prayer with humble and unselfish hearts. As we continue the journey toward the Cross and Resurrection, this message challenges us to examine what we are asking God for and to seek not selfish gain, but a deeper life of faith, service, and communion with Him.

At the midpoint of Great Lent, this homily reflects on the story of the bronze serpent in the wilderness and its connection to the Cross of Christ. Even when we try our best, we fall into the same struggles as those before us—reminding us that salvation is not something we achieve on our own. Just as the Israelites were healed when they looked upon the serpent lifted up, we find our healing and hope by looking to Christ, who took on our humanity and was lifted up on the Cross for our salvation. In times when life feels like the “snakes” are biting and discouragement surrounds us, this message encourages us to fix our eyes on Christ, the one who alone brings healing, redemption, and life. ✝️

On the Fourth Sunday of the Great and Holy Fast, Rev. Dn. Shojil Abraham reflects on the powerful faith of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21–28) and what her persistence teaches us about facing the struggles of life. From childhood to adulthood, our lives are marked by challenges—conflict, illness, anxiety, anger, loneliness, and worry. Yet today’s Gospel reveals that struggle itself can become a pathway to grace.

Rather than running from hardship or demanding its removal, the Canaanite woman embraces her pain and brings it to Christ with humility: “Lord, have mercy on me.” In doing so, she draws closer not only to God but also to her daughter, becoming a co-sufferer in love.

This homily invites us to see our difficulties—whether in relationships, school, family life, or personal weakness—not as obstacles, but as opportunities to deepen our faith, grow in humility, and reconnect with our neighbor. With the persistent trust of a child, we are called to cling to Christ in every struggle, so that we too may one day hear His joyful words: “Great is your faith.”