Remember the adage, “God helps those who help themselves?” Unfortunately, that phrase makes it sound like everything depends on us. God has given us natural abilities and talents to live and sustain ourselves. We must invest those talents and abilities in others so God’s kingdom can grow.
But for the baptized, God raises us to another notch. His Divine Providence places us in situations where we depend on him for everything. In the gospel, the disciples could not feed thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. So, they gave Jesus the little they had to receive from His abundance. Of course, God still expects us to offer Him whatever we can do in any situation. But His authority over everything can bring about miracles beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.
St. Paul states in the second letter to the Corinthians, “And so I willingly most of my weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God cannot help but bless our poverty when we are in need. The first beatitude is still relevant, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.” In an earlier reflection, you may remember me telling you how God fed 50 people a bowl of soup with one ladle. That happened to me twice, feeding hungry people in Bradenton, Florida. I didn’t even ask Him to do it.
Gospel Challenge:
Think of the situation where you are over your head and can do nothing. Feel that sense of helplessness and offer it as a prayer to God. Trust Jesus to take care of everything.
October 22, 2025, Luke 12:39-48 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102225.cfm I will do whatever it takes. I often recorded Tampa Bay Rays post-game shows. They always interview the player
October 21, 2025, Luke 12:35-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102125.cfm It seems like a long time. Waiting for something to happen feels so far away. When I began
October 20, 2025, Luke 12:13-21 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102025.cfm DISCOVERING THE POWER OF A MAGNIFYING GLASS. As a child, I noticed a magnifying glass on the kitchen counter
October 19, 2025, Luke 18:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm Does God have a cell phone? Cell phones are extremely convenient devices that enable us to perform numerous tasks,
Monday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time August 7, 2023
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 7, 2023, Matthew 14:13-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080723.cfm
Give Them Something Yourselves?
Remember the adage, “God helps those who help themselves?” Unfortunately, that phrase makes it sound like everything depends on us. God has given us natural abilities and talents to live and sustain ourselves. We must invest those talents and abilities in others so God’s kingdom can grow.
But for the baptized, God raises us to another notch. His Divine Providence places us in situations where we depend on him for everything. In the gospel, the disciples could not feed thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. So, they gave Jesus the little they had to receive from His abundance. Of course, God still expects us to offer Him whatever we can do in any situation. But His authority over everything can bring about miracles beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.
St. Paul states in the second letter to the Corinthians, “And so I willingly most of my weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God cannot help but bless our poverty when we are in need. The first beatitude is still relevant, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.” In an earlier reflection, you may remember me telling you how God fed 50 people a bowl of soup with one ladle. That happened to me twice, feeding hungry people in Bradenton, Florida. I didn’t even ask Him to do it.
Gospel Challenge:
Think of the situation where you are over your head and can do nothing. Feel that sense of helplessness and offer it as a prayer to God. Trust Jesus to take care of everything.
Peace everyone.
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
or .
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Wednesday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time
October 22, 2025, Luke 12:39-48 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102225.cfm I will do whatever it takes. I often recorded Tampa Bay Rays post-game shows. They always interview the player
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time
October 21, 2025, Luke 12:35-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102125.cfm It seems like a long time. Waiting for something to happen feels so far away. When I began
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Monday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time
October 20, 2025, Luke 12:13-21 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102025.cfm DISCOVERING THE POWER OF A MAGNIFYING GLASS. As a child, I noticed a magnifying glass on the kitchen counter
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
October 19, 2025, Luke 18:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm Does God have a cell phone? Cell phones are extremely convenient devices that enable us to perform numerous tasks,
Categories
Send Us A Message