Parishioners of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples were recently reminded that no one finds success or grace in any other way than through God.

The Gospel reading focused on the story of Cyrus in the Book of Isaiah. 

“God calls Cyrus by name and leads him in service to the Israelites,” the homily, published in the church's Oct. 18 bulletin, said.

Cyrus may believe that as a great ruler of the most powerful nation known at the time, he is making his own destiny. Yet, he is quickly disabused of that notion.

“In this passage we hear that it is the Lord who gives Cyrus his title, who arms him against his enemies, and who opens doors and unbars gates before him,” the homily said. The power and prestige granted to Cyrus are not truly his, but are given to him to accomplish the Lord’s work.

Turning to the New Testament, the homily applies the same concept to the statement by Paul that all grace and peace comes from God. 

“Paul also gives thanks to God on our behalf, calling to mind our work of faith, hope and love,” the homily concluded.