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.
April 10, 2025, Genesis 3:17:3-9; John 8:51-59https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032626.cfm The Greatest Miracle of All.Today’s readings revealed different ways people react to God.When Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was told
March 25, 2026, Luke 1:26-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032526.cfm “Yes” Three simple letters form a word that has changed the direction of the world, and that small word
March 24, 2026, John 8:21-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032426.cfm All I Want is to Please You, Father. We can learn a lot from children. They get excited when
March 23, 2026 – John 8:1-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032326.cfm I Forgot The Darkness. Our school put on the play ‘Beauty and the Beast’ a few years ago.
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
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