Imagine you received an invitation to a wedding from someone you barely know. You look at it and put it aside, not giving it a second thought. In a day or two, some of your friends are talking about a wedding they are attending. It’s the same wedding on the invitation. They are going, and so are you!
Everything changes when you know you will hang out with some friends. God made us for relationships. Practicing our Catholic faith is no different. Take a moment to reflect on the people you call friends. What is the range of the topics you discuss? Which friends can you speak too quickly about your faith and relationship with Jesus?
The narrow gate refers to people who help me grow in my faith and love for the Lord. I may not feel like helping out with some church events until I know some of my friends will be there. Friends can be a significant influence in my relationship with Jesus.
But I must also consider who I relate to outside the narrow gate. Some of these people do not know the Lord yet. Are any of these friends creating temptations for me that weaken the practice of my Faith in Jesus? It can be a great witness to the Lord when these friends see that I am a person of conviction and will not waiver in my faith.
Gospel Challenge:
Bring each of your friends to the Lord in prayer. Is your heart filled with peace as you think about that friend? If not, pray for them. If yes, thank the Lord for them. Please remember, only the Lord Jesus can convert the human heart. But our prayers and witnesses open the door for the Lord to introduce Himself to them.
July 12, 2025, Matthew 10:24-33 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071225.cfm Like the Master – like the Teacher Teachers and coaches have an innate quality of wanting to help others
July 11, 2025, Matthew 10:16-23 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071125.cfm Not everyone will welcome the Good News of Jesus. Yesterday, we celebrated the courage of the early missionaries as
July 10, 2025, Matthew 10:7-15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071025.cfm You Are Sending Me? Really? Are we ever ready to bring Jesus to others? Our world teaches us to
July 9, 2025, Matthew 10:1-7 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070925.cfm Faith Is All About Relationships. Every day, I pray before the Blessed Sacrament for family members and friends
Tuesday 12th Week in Ordinary Time June 25, 2024
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
June 25, 2024, Matthew 7:6,12-14
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062524.cfm
Who Are My Friends?
Imagine you received an invitation to a wedding from someone you barely know. You look at it and put it aside, not giving it a second thought. In a day or two, some of your friends are talking about a wedding they are attending. It’s the same wedding on the invitation. They are going, and so are you!
Everything changes when you know you will hang out with some friends. God made us for relationships. Practicing our Catholic faith is no different. Take a moment to reflect on the people you call friends. What is the range of the topics you discuss? Which friends can you speak too quickly about your faith and relationship with Jesus?
The narrow gate refers to people who help me grow in my faith and love for the Lord. I may not feel like helping out with some church events until I know some of my friends will be there. Friends can be a significant influence in my relationship with Jesus.
But I must also consider who I relate to outside the narrow gate. Some of these people do not know the Lord yet. Are any of these friends creating temptations for me that weaken the practice of my Faith in Jesus? It can be a great witness to the Lord when these friends see that I am a person of conviction and will not waiver in my faith.
Gospel Challenge:
Bring each of your friends to the Lord in prayer. Is your heart filled with peace as you think about that friend? If not, pray for them. If yes, thank the Lord for them. Please remember, only the Lord Jesus can convert the human heart. But our prayers and witnesses open the door for the Lord to introduce Himself to them.
Love your neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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