A lot of people influence us over our lives. My cousin, Fr. Dick Horvath, influenced me when I was four or five. He came to our house weekly on his day off for a short visit. I would sit and listen to him speak, even though I did not know much of what he said. It was his persona (Christ) that touched me. Without realizing it, he had the most significant impact on my vocation to be a priest.
It would be good to consider who influenced us in our tender years. Fathers, mothers, siblings, and friends all leave a mark on us as we mature. Is there anyone who influenced you to be like Jesus, more forgiving, understanding, and compassionate? Did the Presence of Jesus stay with you when you left that person’s presence?
Herod martyred John the Baptist in today’s gospel. When he baptized our Lord, he said, “He (Jesus) must increase. I must decrease.” John wanted to be like Jesus and was, even in his death. John found his identity in Christ Jesus and could face all situations with courage and calmness.
The only identity Herod had was in what people thought of him. So, when told to kill John the Baptist, he was distressed in his heart because he admired John’s persona, Christ Jesus. But the person of Jesus was just like anyone else, not his Lord and Savior. He never seized an opportunity to know Jesus personally. So, Herod ordered John to be beheaded. He had no strength to do what he knew was right.
So, what can you learn from John and Herod? Have a chat with Jesus about who influenced you in your life.
July 1, 2025, Matthew 8:23-27 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070125.cfm Who Was Asleep? Getting proper rest is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. It takes a few days to recover
June 30, 2025, Matthew 8:18-22https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/063025.cfm Hold Nothing Back From Jesus. Interuptions can be nerve-racking the moment they happen. We are right in the middle of
June 28, 2025, Matthew 8:5-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070123.cfm Loving the Least with the Most. We all have an alarm that goes off if someone is in a
June 27, 2025, Matthew 11:25-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062725.cfm Passionate Suffering Equals a Love like No Other Any career calls for great passion and sacrifice. For some, that
Saturday 17th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday 17th Week in Ordinary Time 6-30-2022
Saturday 17th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Matthew 14:1-12 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/073022.cfm
PEER PRESSURE – WHO DO I WANT TO BE LIKE.
A lot of people influence us over our lives. My cousin, Fr. Dick Horvath, influenced me when I was four or five. He came to our house weekly on his day off for a short visit. I would sit and listen to him speak, even though I did not know much of what he said. It was his persona (Christ) that touched me. Without realizing it, he had the most significant impact on my vocation to be a priest.
It would be good to consider who influenced us in our tender years. Fathers, mothers, siblings, and friends all leave a mark on us as we mature. Is there anyone who influenced you to be like Jesus, more forgiving, understanding, and compassionate? Did the Presence of Jesus stay with you when you left that person’s presence?
Herod martyred John the Baptist in today’s gospel. When he baptized our Lord, he said, “He (Jesus) must increase. I must decrease.” John wanted to be like Jesus and was, even in his death. John found his identity in Christ Jesus and could face all situations with courage and calmness.
The only identity Herod had was in what people thought of him. So, when told to kill John the Baptist, he was distressed in his heart because he admired John’s persona, Christ Jesus. But the person of Jesus was just like anyone else, not his Lord and Savior. He never seized an opportunity to know Jesus personally. So, Herod ordered John to be beheaded. He had no strength to do what he knew was right.
So, what can you learn from John and Herod? Have a chat with Jesus about who influenced you in your life.
Peace everyone.
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
or .
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time
July 1, 2025, Matthew 8:23-27 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070125.cfm Who Was Asleep? Getting proper rest is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. It takes a few days to recover
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday 13th Week in Ordinary Time
June 30, 2025, Matthew 8:18-22https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/063025.cfm Hold Nothing Back From Jesus. Interuptions can be nerve-racking the moment they happen. We are right in the middle of
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
June 28, 2025, Matthew 8:5-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070123.cfm Loving the Least with the Most. We all have an alarm that goes off if someone is in a
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 27, 2025, Matthew 11:25-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062725.cfm Passionate Suffering Equals a Love like No Other Any career calls for great passion and sacrifice. For some, that
Categories
Send Us A Message