Reflect on the last meaningful conversation you had with someone. Did you make eye contact and notice the tone in their voice? How did you feel when they trusted you enough to share something intimate about themselves?
Meaningful conversations are the basis of a loving relationship and lasting friendship. Unfortunately, our society is alarmingly losing our love for one another. Sherry Turtle, in an interview, “How Smartphones Are Killing Conversation,” gives the following statistic:
“Eighty-nine percent of Americans say that during their last social interaction, they took out a phone, and 82 percent said that it deteriorated the conversation they were in. Basically, we’re doing something that we know is hurting our interactions.”
While cell phones and other gadgets can keep our hearts from each other and our relationships superficial if we are not careful, it doesn’t change the fact that we need intimacy to love each other.
In the greatest commandments, Jesus has a secret that breaks down all our barriers: “Love the Lord your God with your whole heart and soul and your neighbor as yourself.” When Jesus lives in our hearts, we do not fear what we might see in ourselves and others.
The perfect love of the Lord (1 John 4:18) drives out any fear of knowing our weakness and sinfulness. Intimacy with Jesus opens the door for us to be vulnerable with each other.
Gospel Challenge:
Take time away from your cell phone and give that time to the Lord. Do this repeatedly for fifteen minutes a day and even during moments throughout the day. Over a while, you will notice how much more meaningful your relationships will become. It just happens that way because that’s how God made us.
April 11, 2026, Mark 16:9-15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041126.cfm Stuck. I Can’t Move. Grab a Hand. I moved from Illinois to Florida in 1989. I have only been
April 10, 2026, John 21:1-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041026.cfm Knucklehead. Growing up, I watched a slapstick comedy called The Three Stooges. A typical phrase Moe used was ‘knucklehead’
April 9, 2026, Luke 24:35-48 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040926.cfm Why Are You Troubled? May I Have A Piece of Fish? For years, I haven’t given up anything for
April 8, 2026, Luke 24:13-35 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040826.cfm Walking With Jesus Down That Road. I can’t help but relate to you the fantastic news that Jesus is
Thursday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time June 6, 2024
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time
June 6, 2024, Mark 12: 28-34
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060624.cfm
Love the Lord first and then your neighbor.
Reflect on the last meaningful conversation you had with someone. Did you make eye contact and notice the tone in their voice? How did you feel when they trusted you enough to share something intimate about themselves?
Meaningful conversations are the basis of a loving relationship and lasting friendship. Unfortunately, our society is alarmingly losing our love for one another. Sherry Turtle, in an interview, “How Smartphones Are Killing Conversation,” gives the following statistic:
“Eighty-nine percent of Americans say that during their last social interaction, they took out a phone, and 82 percent said that it deteriorated the conversation they were in. Basically, we’re doing something that we know is hurting our interactions.”
While cell phones and other gadgets can keep our hearts from each other and our relationships superficial if we are not careful, it doesn’t change the fact that we need intimacy to love each other.
In the greatest commandments, Jesus has a secret that breaks down all our barriers: “Love the Lord your God with your whole heart and soul and your neighbor as yourself.” When Jesus lives in our hearts, we do not fear what we might see in ourselves and others.
The perfect love of the Lord (1 John 4:18) drives out any fear of knowing our weakness and sinfulness. Intimacy with Jesus opens the door for us to be vulnerable with each other.
Gospel Challenge:
Take time away from your cell phone and give that time to the Lord. Do this repeatedly for fifteen minutes a day and even during moments throughout the day. Over a while, you will notice how much more meaningful your relationships will become. It just happens that way because that’s how God made us.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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