Every day I pray before the Blessed Sacrament for family members and friends who have left the Church’s sacramental life. I think of Jesus on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” Think if someone didn’t know the value of gold, it would only be a rock to them.
But if they knew the value of gold in today’s market, they would sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Jesus told his disciples not to go into the pagan territory but only to the lost sheep of Israel. The Lord wants us to evangelize family and friends before people we don’t know.
We are all rookies and need the experience of sharing how our relationship with the Lord impacts our life experiences. If they are to hear us, our words and actions, especially our attitudes, must be filled with the kindness and the welcome of the Lord Jesus.
I have found that when I pray for family and friends who no longer have a sacramental life in the Church, the Lord has some work to do in me. One of the hardest things to overcome with relatives and friends is judgment. The thought that I am right and they are wrong is a barrier to the Lord working in their hearts through me.
Gospel Challenge:
You and I can’t convince anyone of anything without loving and embracing them just as we find them. So, let’s start with the goodness in people’s hearts. Let us compliment them on all their achievements and feel their sorrow in disappointments.
When they know we have a genuine interest in them and their lives, Jesus can break through in the most natural but remarkable ways. Give trust a chance to grow, and they will welcome the words we share. Always respond to their needs and never force the gospel on anyone. Jesus works best through our kindness.
November 17, 2024, Matthew 13:24-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111724.cfm https://www.dosp.org/courageouslyliving/ Bishop Parkes Call to Conversion This past Sunday I was honored to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to
November 16, 2024, Luke 18:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111624.cfm Does God have a cell phone? Cell phones are so convenient. We can do so many things with these
November 15, 2024, Luke 17:26-37 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111524.cfm Do Your Shopping Early? Can you imagine walking into a grocery store on the day a hurricane hits?
November 11, 2024, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111424.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, No Greater Love. Many times, she brought tears to
Wednesday 14th Week in Ordinary Time July 12, 2023
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday 14th Week in Ordinary Time
July 12, 2023, Matthew 10:1-7
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071223.cfm
Faith Is All About Relationships.
Every day I pray before the Blessed Sacrament for family members and friends who have left the Church’s sacramental life. I think of Jesus on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” Think if someone didn’t know the value of gold, it would only be a rock to them.
But if they knew the value of gold in today’s market, they would sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Jesus told his disciples not to go into the pagan territory but only to the lost sheep of Israel. The Lord wants us to evangelize family and friends before people we don’t know.
We are all rookies and need the experience of sharing how our relationship with the Lord impacts our life experiences. If they are to hear us, our words and actions, especially our attitudes, must be filled with the kindness and the welcome of the Lord Jesus.
I have found that when I pray for family and friends who no longer have a sacramental life in the Church, the Lord has some work to do in me. One of the hardest things to overcome with relatives and friends is judgment. The thought that I am right and they are wrong is a barrier to the Lord working in their hearts through me.
Gospel Challenge:
You and I can’t convince anyone of anything without loving and embracing them just as we find them. So, let’s start with the goodness in people’s hearts. Let us compliment them on all their achievements and feel their sorrow in disappointments.
When they know we have a genuine interest in them and their lives, Jesus can break through in the most natural but remarkable ways. Give trust a chance to grow, and they will welcome the words we share. Always respond to their needs and never force the gospel on anyone. Jesus works best through our kindness.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
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