August 27, 2024, Matthew 23:23-26
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082724.cfm
All it takes is a big heart.
My dad grew up six blocks from Notre Dame University. I remember I couldn’t get enough of the movie, “Rudy.” It was a true story about a young man with a small body but a big heart.
Entering Notre Dame University was Rudy’s lifetime dream. He wanted to play Irish football so much but could never make the squad. He had a huge heart; he would do anything for the team. He would mow the field, do the laundry, and do anything to help the team.
He finally got his chance in the last game of his senior year. All the fans, players, and coaches knew his big heart and cheered for him when he came on the field as they would a winning touchdown.
Unlike Rudy, we don’t have to wait until the last play of our senior year to draw close to Jesus. We don’t have to do heroic things to prove ourselves to him. Every day, we can draw close to him through a simple prayer like,
“Lord Jesus, I love you so much, more than anything; or
“Thank you, Lord; you are so good to me; or
“Jesus, I know this will be difficult, but with you, I can do this.”
All it takes to have a big heart for the Lord Jesus is to acknowledge He is with us.
How different is this inward turning to our Lord Jesus from outward acts empty of love and affection for God? A simple prayer of honesty from our heart does more good than hours of prayers that are mouthed or long, arduous penances that only try to prove our worthiness.
However, they are beneficial if they come from a heart enraptured with Jesus’ Divine Presence. The Lord is pointing out to the scribes, Pharisees, and us that we have a beautiful, wonderful treasure within us, that our hearts are so big, they can love so much that God in all his infinite fullness lives there.
Gospel Challenge:
We don’t have to be a star quarterback for God to please Him and reap the abundant grace of his friendship. We have to acknowledge throughout our busy day every so often that he is with us, ready to serve us when we cry out to him.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
