Build Something That Floats - Weekday Homily Video

Let’s start with a question: What if your life had a countdown timer? Imagine a digital clock on your wrist ticking away the seconds you have left. No snooze button, no extensions. That’s the premise of the movie, “In Time,”—where time is the currency, and people hustle, steal, or beg just to survive another day. But here’s the twist: we’re all living with an invisible countdown. We just don’t know when it hits zero.

Now think of something more practical: What do you do when your phone or computer freezes? You reboot it. When your Wi-Fi crashes? Reset the router. When your life feels like a glitchy app? You crave a fresh start.  

In the Book of Genesis, we read that humanity had become a “dumpster fire” of greed, violence, and narcissism. “Every inclination of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Gen 6:5). Imagine God scrolling through our world’s feed today: climate denial, wars, killing, corruption, and all the vices we can think of. Not so different from Noah’s era. But here’s the twist: God’s response isn’t rage—it’s grief. The bible says God’s heart was “deeply troubled” (Gen 6:6). 

Trusting the Planner

Enter Noah—a man who “walked faithfully with God” (Gen 6:9). In a world where “faithful” was as rare as a quiet toddler on a sugar high, Noah built an ark. In the desert. Let that sink in. His neighbors probably roasted him saying: “Bro, it hasn’t rained in centuries. You building a yacht for sand?” But Noah kept hammering. Why? Because faith isn’t about understanding the plan—it’s about trusting the Planner. Sound familiar? Ever tried explaining your values to a culture that mocks them? Being a Vegan at a barbecue party. Pacifist in an action movie. Christian on Twitter. Noah gets it. 

Here’s the plot twist: The flood isn’t about punishment. It’s about mercy. Think of it as God hitting “control-alt-delete,” a complete restart on a corrupted system. The same waters that drowned sin also baptized the earth into renewal. Early Christians saw the flood as a preview of baptism—where grace washes us clean (1 Peter 3:20-21). But here’s the modern take: We’re all Noah now. Our “floods” aren’t water—they’re the 24/7 news cycle, the endless scroll of comparison, the rising tides of anxiety. But God’s still whispering, “Build something that floats.” 

Answering God's Call to Build

What does a 2025 ark look like? A Community Garden: Where neighbors grow zucchini and solidarity. A “Kindness” App: Swipe right to volunteer. Silence: 10 minutes a day without screens and noise, just you, God, and the hum of your fridge. Noah didn’t need to be perfect—he just needed to be present. He didn’t preach sermons like I do now; he built a boat. So, here’s our challenge: Stop waiting for permission to do good. The world is on fire—grab a bucket. 

After the flood, God hung a rainbow in the sky—the first divine meme. A promise: “Never again.” But here’s the kicker: Rainbows only appear after storms. So, if your life feels like a hurricane right now, hold on. The same God who dried the earth for Noah is making a way for you. 

A college student once summarized Genesis chapter 6 as when “God decided to flush.” Crude? Maybe. But true. Yet, in that flush, God saved Noah. Why? Because Noah showed up. He didn’t need to understand the blueprints; he just needed to pick up the hammer. 

Just show up. Build something that floats. Love someone the algorithm says is unlovable. Plant a tree you’ll never sit under. Because here’s the secret: God is still into resets. And your ark—no matter how small—might just be someone else’s lifeline.

So, here’s your challenge: Build something that floats. A habit of gratitude. A commitment to truth. A stubborn hope. The world’s clock is counting down—but God? God is counting on you. 

• Today’s Readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page. 

• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)