“Whatever you do the least of my brethren, you do to me.” Think of the millions of Ukrainians who migrated from their country and the thousands killed by the Russians. What Vladimir Putin began is inconceivable. We ask how he can order attacks on schools and shelters containing civilians, including children.
Consider the servant in the parable entrusted with distributing his master’s wealth. Over the years, he stole so much that he could never repay his debt, even if he lived a thousand years. Yet, his master forgave everything when he pleaded for mercy, and he forgave him because he could.
The more we love someone, the deeper the hurt in our hearts. Even a small offense can hurt us acutely, and it is hard to let it go. So, when I read today’s gospel, Putin came to mind. And I couldn’t help but think that the amount of Putin’s debt to humanity could not compare to the vast amount the master forgave his servant. And yet, God’s infinite mercy can swallow even Putin’s sins. Why? Because Jesus carried in His person the suffering everyone experienced in this war.
Gospel Challenge:
It would be good to ponder the vastness of God’s mercy in us. I envision His heart swallowing up the hurts we cause others—what a challenge when Jesus asks us to do the same for anyone who offends us. Let the heart of Jesus in you embrace anyone who has offended you. His suffering has already paid their debt to you.
For your convenience, The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available every evening during Lent, starting on March 22 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Wed., April 5.
Please join us for a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 21, when several priests will hear Confessions.
No confessions will be heard from Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity. We will continue to have confessions on Saturdays from 3-4 p.m.
September 13, 2025, Luke 6:43-49 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm Deep Roots I know a friend whose neighbor’s tree fell on her house during a tropical storm. It was
September 12, 2025, Luke 6:49-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm Humility And Mercy “When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” This is the grace of God,
September 11, 2025, Luke 6:27-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091125.cfm Keeping Your Honor Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can make us feel disconnected from
Luke 6:20-26 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091025.cfm Poor, Hungry, Weeping, Hated, And Persecuted – But Blessed. What a challenge Jesus presents to us! A willingness to be poor, hungry, crying,
Tuesday, 3rd Week in Lent, March 14, 2023
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 3rd Week in Lent,
March 14, 2023, Matthew 18:21-35
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031423.cfm
Reconciliation: Inconceivable but Necessary.
“Whatever you do the least of my brethren, you do to me.” Think of the millions of Ukrainians who migrated from their country and the thousands killed by the Russians. What Vladimir Putin began is inconceivable. We ask how he can order attacks on schools and shelters containing civilians, including children.
Consider the servant in the parable entrusted with distributing his master’s wealth. Over the years, he stole so much that he could never repay his debt, even if he lived a thousand years. Yet, his master forgave everything when he pleaded for mercy, and he forgave him because he could.
The more we love someone, the deeper the hurt in our hearts. Even a small offense can hurt us acutely, and it is hard to let it go. So, when I read today’s gospel, Putin came to mind. And I couldn’t help but think that the amount of Putin’s debt to humanity could not compare to the vast amount the master forgave his servant. And yet, God’s infinite mercy can swallow even Putin’s sins. Why? Because Jesus carried in His person the suffering everyone experienced in this war.
Gospel Challenge:
It would be good to ponder the vastness of God’s mercy in us. I envision His heart swallowing up the hurts we cause others—what a challenge when Jesus asks us to do the same for anyone who offends us. Let the heart of Jesus in you embrace anyone who has offended you. His suffering has already paid their debt to you.
IGNITE THE FIRE
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
For your convenience, The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available every evening during Lent, starting on March 22 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Wed., April 5.
Please join us for a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 21, when several priests will hear Confessions.
No confessions will be heard from Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity. We will continue to have confessions on Saturdays from 3-4 p.m.
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 13, 2025, Luke 6:43-49 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm Deep Roots I know a friend whose neighbor’s tree fell on her house during a tropical storm. It was
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 12, 2025, Luke 6:49-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm Humility And Mercy “When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” This is the grace of God,
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 11, 2025, Luke 6:27-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091125.cfm Keeping Your Honor Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can make us feel disconnected from
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for September 10, 2025,
Luke 6:20-26 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091025.cfm Poor, Hungry, Weeping, Hated, And Persecuted – But Blessed. What a challenge Jesus presents to us! A willingness to be poor, hungry, crying,
Categories
Send Us A Message