Tuesday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time July 30, 2024

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time
July 30, 2024, Matthew 13:36-43
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/073024.cfm

We Are All Connected

This last week, Jesus talked about what is most precious to Him and us, and we know He is the Pearl of Great Price. No treasure can compare to Him. Jesus takes us deeper into this mystery of his Presence through the gift of friendship. He’s warning us to choose our friends carefully.

The disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. Think of weeds as people who take us away from Jesus. We change our behavior around them because we want them to like us. Being accepted is more critical at the time than being a friend of Jesus.

Friendship in Christ Jesus begins when He is my best friend. He is the Good Seed in us, always giving us the best, never second-best. A true friend is someone who will always give you the best and whom you will do the same for them.

I know I have had friends who sat down and told me something about myself that I didn’t want to hear, but I needed to. Jesus gifts us with these friends because He loves us so much. When we honor them, we honor Jesus.

Gospel Challenge:

Go to Jesus in your heart. Give Him time to reveal the people in your life who are His friends and yours. Don’t think it through. Just let it happen in the silence of your heart and mind. I always take a few deep breaths, in and out, and let go of the day. Be a friend to the people whose hearts are full of good seeds whom Jesus reveals to you. Be kind but cautious with people whose hearts are full of weeds. Pray for them.

Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor