There is a correlation between a speaker and a listener. We see this happening in John and the people who listened to him. John lived his life with such integrity that people knew he spoke the truth. And that truth, our Lord Jesus, pierced their hearts.
The words of John burned in their hearts as they felt a deep joy in repenting their sins for the first time rather than fear of acknowledging those sins. As John spoke, they said, “He’s right, and I know he is speaking to me.”
Both the Pharisees and the people, including the hated tax collectors, heard John’s human words. The Pharisees had their sense of goodness within themselves, so much that they couldn’t see their sin, and John’s words were only human.
The people, however, knew they had no goodness apart from God. By submitting themselves to John’s baptism, they expressed their genuine sorrow for their sins. True sorrow for our sins empties our hearts enough of ourselves that so we can begin to hear God’s voice.
Gospel Challenge
God’s voice of tenderness and mercy is sweeter than the condemning voice of guilt. Try it.
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Thursday, 3rd Week in Advent 12-15-2022
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily Thursday, 3rd Week in Advent 12-15-2022
Luke 7:24-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121522.cfm
Sorrowing for sin leads to peace.
There is a correlation between a speaker and a listener. We see this happening in John and the people who listened to him. John lived his life with such integrity that people knew he spoke the truth. And that truth, our Lord Jesus, pierced their hearts.
The words of John burned in their hearts as they felt a deep joy in repenting their sins for the first time rather than fear of acknowledging those sins. As John spoke, they said, “He’s right, and I know he is speaking to me.”
Both the Pharisees and the people, including the hated tax collectors, heard John’s human words. The Pharisees had their sense of goodness within themselves, so much that they couldn’t see their sin, and John’s words were only human.
The people, however, knew they had no goodness apart from God. By submitting themselves to John’s baptism, they expressed their genuine sorrow for their sins. True sorrow for our sins empties our hearts enough of ourselves that so we can begin to hear God’s voice.
Gospel Challenge
God’s voice of tenderness and mercy is sweeter than the condemning voice of guilt. Try it.
Ignite the Fire
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Wednesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Reflection for Monday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Categories
Send Us A Message