It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
What can we learn from Jesus that will bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
June 23, 2026, Matthew 7:6,12-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062326.cfm Who Are My Friends? Imagine receiving a wedding invitation from someone you barely know. You glance at itand set
June 22, 2026, Matthew 7:1-5 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062226.cfm Judging is Like Little Splinters. I remember our DRE and music director, Fred, telling me he picked up a
June 21, 2026, Matthew 10:26-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062126.cfm Happy Father’s Day, Dads. While praying for my Dad this morning—God rest his soul—a memory surfaced, onethat deeply shaped
June 20, 2026, Matthew 6:24-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062026.cfm Out With Worry – In With Trust. The only moment we can be with God is the present. We
Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 07-01-2022
Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Matthew 9:9-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070122.cfm
HE SAT WITH THEM ALL AND DIDN’T MIND IT A BIT.
It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
What can we learn from Jesus that will bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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