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.
November 15, 2025, Luke 18:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111525.cfm Does God have a cell phone? Cell phones are highly convenient devices that allow us to do many tasks,
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
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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