Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time
August 3, 2024, Matthew 14:1-12
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080324.cfm
Peer Pressure – Who Do You 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 visited our family weekly on his day off. I would sit and listen to him speak, even though I knew little about what he said. It was his persona (Christ) that touched me. Without realizing it, he significantly impacted 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 more forgiving, understanding, and compassionate like Jesus? Did the Presence of Jesus stay with you when you left that person’s presence?
King Herod martyred John the Baptist in today’s gospel. When John 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.
Gospel Challenge:
So, what can you learn from John and Herod? Have a chat with Jesus about who influenced you in your life. Then, consider who you affect.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
Saturday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time August 3, 2024
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time
August 3, 2024, Matthew 14:1-12
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080324.cfm
Peer Pressure – Who Do You 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 visited our family weekly on his day off. I would sit and listen to him speak, even though I knew little about what he said. It was his persona (Christ) that touched me. Without realizing it, he significantly impacted 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 more forgiving, understanding, and compassionate like Jesus? Did the Presence of Jesus stay with you when you left that person’s presence?
King Herod martyred John the Baptist in today’s gospel. When John 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.
Gospel Challenge:
So, what can you learn from John and Herod? Have a chat with Jesus about who influenced you in your life. Then, consider who you affect.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 2nd Week in Lent
March 22, 2025, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032225.cfm Home at Last. How heart-wrenching it is to stray from our Father’s loving embrace. Like the younger son
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday of the Second Week in Advent
December 13, 2025, Matthew 11: 16- 19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121324.cfm “We played the flute for you. We sang a dirge for you.” Who is playing and singing
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday 2nd Week in Advent
DECEMBER 11, 2023, Matthew 11:11-15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm VIOLENCE – IS THERE ANOTHER WAY? Isn’t it true that many people in America wonder when the violence will
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday 2nd Week in Advent
December 13, 2027, 2023 Matthew 11:28-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm It is God’s mercy that moves a person to acts of compassion. People with the world in their
Categories
Send Us A Message