Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time

September 20, 2024, Luke 8:1-3
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092024.cfm  

Jesus Attracts Opposites 

Every parish has different levels of commitment to Jesus and the Church. There is an old understanding of the Church that worked for centuries but now needs to change. In short, some people see the clergy, religious, and some laity as gifted to “do everything.” They see Mass as a once-a-week obligation.  Nothing more is asked of them.

   

However, recent popes have renewed an old understanding of the Church. All the baptized share in the mission of bringing Jesus to the world. Some people in today’s gospel were not only attracted to Jesus but deeply committed to Him. This commitment included women who knew and loved Jesus so closely that they surrendered everything to him, including their finances.  

   

St. Luke names a couple of these women: Mary Magdeline, whom Jesus cast out seven demons, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza. Chuza was in charge of Herod’s financial affairs. He would be the most trusted and important official to the king. Could there be any more opposites: a lady of the night and a lady of the court in the same company day in and day out?  Conversion to Jesus changes everything.

   

Two completely different people with different makeups and backgrounds love Jesus so much that they put aside their differences without losing their qualities. GK Chesterton commented on this idea. He referred them to the lion lying down with the lamb from the book of Isaiah (11:6).   

Gospel Challenge:   

The division in our society is growing so fast, beyond our control. However, it is not beyond the control of the people of our parishes, who are deeply committed to Jesus and each other. I can’t just sit back and watch society fall away from the Lord. Can you?

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.   

Pastor@bscchurch.com