Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 3/24/2022

THE STRENGTH OF JESUS.

Reading the passage of Jesus driving out the demon of the man who was mute reminded me of the first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” We have to admire the strength of Jesus. He stands firm and won’t budge an inch when His opponents challenge Him. He will not put His reputation before the need of the man who hasn’t spoken a word all his life.

Do you know that strength of the Lord? Do you know someone who suffers because they stand for the values of their faith and righteousness? It’s like they can’t go against themselves. Speaking the Truth and witnessing to others your faith in the Lord can mean you lose some of your friends. Jesus didn’t back down when the authorities said He drove out the demon from the man through the prince of demons, Satan.

We need to pay attention to the answer Jesus gave the people who challenged Him. He said that if Satan is divided against himself, he cannot stand. Think of how God has recreated us in our Baptism: We have in us the DNA of Jesus; we are no longer Adam and Eve’s children but God’s children; in our innermost self, we have the strength of Jesus. Therefore, we can stand up against anyone who opposes Him or His Church.

But remember His line, “I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Our purpose is not to offend anyone. Instead, our goal is to let others know how freeing it is to live the life of Jesus. We don’t argue or change anyone. That’s the work of the Savior. Instead, listening and caring for someone who opposes us is the quickest way to their heart. Then Jesus can do His work. Kindness is the strength of Jesus.

IGNITE THE FIRE

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com