Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

September 2, 2024, Luke 4:16-30
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090423.cfm

Jesus Was Anointed for You and Me!

Hurricanes are so devastating. How our hearts go out to people who have lost everything in a hurricane or a fire. We open our hearts and our wallets to bring them some relief. We are so empathetic because it is something no one brings upon themselves. It’s just nature taking its course.

But human dignity demands more, the warmth of a human heart. We cannot limit a person’s worth by giving things they need. Jesus, in the gospel, opened the scroll and read from the prophet Isaiah, “The Lord anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”

The Lord anointed Jesus for you and me because we are all poor in responding to His call to be a disciple, captive by the values and ways of the world, blind to what pleases Him in situations we find ourselves and oppressed to be able to do anything to save ourselves to live His Way.

Gospel Challenge:
Jesus loves us and shows us mercy when we don’t deserve it and can do nothing to help ourselves. Our hearts are as empty as someone walking up the street and seeing nothing but a driveway where their house was before a hurricane or fire.

Do not be afraid. Welcome the Lord’s glad tidings in your poverty, wherever you feel it. The greater our need, the more we will experience His merciful help.
Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com