Fr. Rick’s One Minute Homily for Thursday after Epiphany  

January 9, 2025, Luke 4:14-22

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010925.cfm

New Year’s Resolutions – One To Keep.

Have you ever kept a New Year’s resolution? Have you ever made one and broken it? Let’s remember that commitment is not just a word; it’s a powerful force. How much of a priority is your resolution to you? Is it enough to ignite a change in your lifestyle? If dieting or exercise is your New Year’s resolution, what changes must you make to reach your goals?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus opens the Scriptures and reads a passage from Isaiah. It states the resolutions He made with the Father after His baptism. Jesus decided to let the Holy Spirit have His way with Him. He vowed to heal the sick and bring hope to captives and the poor. The last one caught my attention: “Proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

What change is the Lord anointing you and I to make this new year acceptable to Him? The key is to listen deeply to His direction. It may take some discipline to listen with an open heart, and we see my heart as a blank slate that He can write whatever pleases Him. If something keeps coming to you, know it is a word of life from God. The lifestyle change is easy when Jesus does it with you. The goal is high, but the help is all-powerful.

Gospel Challenge:

Mother Mary said “Yes” to God through Angel Gabriel. St. Joseph said “Yes” and kept his family safe against a murderer. Their “Yes” changed the world. They can help us say “Yes” to “Proclaim an acceptable year to the Lord.” This is a New Year’s resolution to keep.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com