Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Monday, the 5th Week in Lent
March 18, 2024 – John 8:1-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031824.cfm
Drop Your Stone.
We call heroes today people who have no concern for their own welfare and put themselves in harm’s way, no matter the cost. Whether it’s a burning house or a car in a lake, the human spirit rises to the occasion. “Modern Day Heroes,” we call them.
Two women in today’s readings met their heroes in Daniel and Jesus. Suzanna, in the 1st reading, is falsely accused of committing adultery. One of the big shots, an elder, reported her. But he lied. Daniel couldn’t stand back and do nothing. Despite his youth, TRUTH spoke through him, and Suzanna and her accusers received justice.
Where justice was at work in the first reading, mercy flooded the accused in the Gospel reading. Only Jesus has the authority to condemn this guilty woman caught in adultery, and he is her judge.
However, something deeper is at work in the Heart of Jesus – Mercy, and he acknowledged the act but loved the person.
Jesus continues His work of justice and mercy in us. When we see an unjust act committed, we have the courage to speak up. Jesus, the TRUTH, will speak in you without condemning.
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus spoke with mercy when he wrote on the ground. We don’t know what he wrote, but his tone was merciful. None of the woman’s accusers threw a stone. They dropped them. Pray for someone committing an injustice, as Jesus prayed on the Cross, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”
When God fills our hearts with mercy, people committing acts of injustice will drop their stones.
| The Sacrament of Reconciliation
March 18 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, |
Confessions end after Tuesday of Holy Week, including Holy Thursday – Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
