Struggles are a part of everyday life. There are challenges everywhere we turn. But did you ever have a day when everything was perfect? (OK. Vocations don’t count. Even then, it can rain on the beach.) When faced with a challenge, we often struggle through something or put it off if we can, waiting for a better day.
What about those more significant struggles, like a long-term illness or mourning the death of a family member? Or where am I getting funds to pay my rent or even get some gas for the car? How do we overcome a pattern of sin or weakness of character that has plagued our lives for years? Again, Jesus bids us go to Him. He can’t carry our sufferings on His Calvary if we don’t place our crosses on His shoulders.
He told St. Faustina how it grieves Him when we don’t go to Him. We know how we feel when someone does not accept our offer to help them in a struggle. Like a friend helping us, Jesus doesn’t remove our burdens but helps us carry them.
Gospel Challenge:
After my surgeries, I learned to surrender the pain for the intentions people asked me to pray. The pain didn’t subside, but the thoughts of worry and anxiety left me. I knew the pain would be gone in a matter of days. Rest in the Lord, and let Him carry your burden. He will renew your spirit, especially when it rains on the beach.
February 7, 2026, Mark 6:30-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020726.cfm We All Need A Deserted Place There are so many pressures in today’s world. Getting stuck in traffic on
February 6, 2026, Mark 6:14-29 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020626.cfm What’s It Worth? Imagine I show you a dollar bill in one hand and a penny in the other—
February 5, 2026, Mark 6:7-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm Ignite the Fire in Each Other. During the difficult initial months of the pandemic, our parish staff experienced a
Mark 6:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm Faith’s Struggles. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many who are serious about their relationship with God
Thursday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time July 18, 2024
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time
July 18, 2024, Matthew 11:28-30
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071824.cfm
Following the Lord Through Difficult Times.
Struggles are a part of everyday life. There are challenges everywhere we turn. But did you ever have a day when everything was perfect? (OK. Vocations don’t count. Even then, it can rain on the beach.) When faced with a challenge, we often struggle through something or put it off if we can, waiting for a better day.
What about those more significant struggles, like a long-term illness or mourning the death of a family member? Or where am I getting funds to pay my rent or even get some gas for the car? How do we overcome a pattern of sin or weakness of character that has plagued our lives for years? Again, Jesus bids us go to Him. He can’t carry our sufferings on His Calvary if we don’t place our crosses on His shoulders.
He told St. Faustina how it grieves Him when we don’t go to Him. We know how we feel when someone does not accept our offer to help them in a struggle. Like a friend helping us, Jesus doesn’t remove our burdens but helps us carry them.
Gospel Challenge:
After my surgeries, I learned to surrender the pain for the intentions people asked me to pray. The pain didn’t subside, but the thoughts of worry and anxiety left me. I knew the pain would be gone in a matter of days. Rest in the Lord, and let Him carry your burden. He will renew your spirit, especially when it rains on the beach.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 7, 2026, Mark 6:30-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020726.cfm We All Need A Deserted Place There are so many pressures in today’s world. Getting stuck in traffic on
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 6, 2026, Mark 6:14-29 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020626.cfm What’s It Worth? Imagine I show you a dollar bill in one hand and a penny in the other—
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2026, Mark 6:7-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm Ignite the Fire in Each Other. During the difficult initial months of the pandemic, our parish staff experienced a
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time February 4, 2026
Mark 6:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm Faith’s Struggles. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many who are serious about their relationship with God
Categories
Send Us A Message