Poor, Hungry, Weeping, Hated, And Persecuted – But Blessed.
What a challenge Jesus presents to us! A willingness to be poor, hungry, weeping, hated, and persecuted is not very appealing: Unless your heart is overcome with so much love, you can’t help yourself. How many parents sacrifice so much to send their children to Catholic school and later to college? It takes some calculation, but they know their children are worth the struggle.
Students and athletes make similar sacrifices in the classroom and on the field. Having a goal is a great motivation to accomplish something in this world. We can see results when we sacrifice for education, sports, and otherworldly goals.
Living as a disciple of the Lord every day also calls for sacrifices. Feeling the poverty of someone, weeping for someone who lost a loved one, and being willing to be hated and persecuted for our faith are great sacrifices. But how much are we willing to give to a poor person? How much time will we spend with someone who is sorrowful and has lost someone precious? How much time are we willing to give Jesus in worship, prayer, and study to grow in our love for him daily?
Gospel Challenge:
Being a disciple of Jesus is all grace; there’s only one place we can get it: being with the Lord daily. Spend some precious time with Him. Only God can change our hearts and what they value.
March 21, 2026, John 7: 40-53 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032126.cfm We Know It All As we prepare to leave the Mass and return home, let’s reflect on the
March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm I will open your graves. I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a
March 19, 2026, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm Someone gave me the book *Consecration to St. Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father* (Fr. Donald
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
Wednesday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time September 13, 2023
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 13, 2023, Luke 6:20-26
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091323.cfm
Poor, Hungry, Weeping, Hated, And Persecuted – But Blessed.
What a challenge Jesus presents to us! A willingness to be poor, hungry, weeping, hated, and persecuted is not very appealing: Unless your heart is overcome with so much love, you can’t help yourself. How many parents sacrifice so much to send their children to Catholic school and later to college? It takes some calculation, but they know their children are worth the struggle.
Students and athletes make similar sacrifices in the classroom and on the field. Having a goal is a great motivation to accomplish something in this world. We can see results when we sacrifice for education, sports, and otherworldly goals.
Living as a disciple of the Lord every day also calls for sacrifices. Feeling the poverty of someone, weeping for someone who lost a loved one, and being willing to be hated and persecuted for our faith are great sacrifices. But how much are we willing to give to a poor person? How much time will we spend with someone who is sorrowful and has lost someone precious? How much time are we willing to give Jesus in worship, prayer, and study to grow in our love for him daily?
Gospel Challenge:
Being a disciple of Jesus is all grace; there’s only one place we can get it: being with the Lord daily. Spend some precious time with Him. Only God can change our hearts and what they value.
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Saturday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 21, 2026, John 7: 40-53 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032126.cfm We Know It All As we prepare to leave the Mass and return home, let’s reflect on the
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 5th Sunday in Lent A
March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm I will open your graves. I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 19, 2026, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm Someone gave me the book *Consecration to St. Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father* (Fr. Donald
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Wednesday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
Categories
Send Us A Message