Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 7th Week of Ordinary Time

February 27, 2025, Mark 9:41-50

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022725.cfm

What’s Worse Losing? A Hand or a Soul.

Jesus teaches us that nothing in this life can compare to what happens to us in eternity. People in our Lord’s time and culture would use exaggerated speech to impress others. He mentioned three horrific examples of drowning with a millstone around our neck, cutting off our hand or foot, and losing an eye. He made the point: How difficult it would be to live without a hand, a foot, or an eye.

That is precisely what we do to our souls when we sin. It directly affects our relationship with God and others. Our faith, love, caring, and compassion are severely handicapped.

Sin is a cancer that consumes and destroys everything and everyone it touches. It’s not just about handicapping our relations here on earth; it’s about our eternity. Some may deny the existence of hell, but that’s a foolish presumption. God, in His mercy, gives us ample time to repent.

Gospel Challenge:

Whatever changes we need to make, let’s make them now. There’s no time to waste. The losses we may experience in this life are insignificant compared to the eternal separation from God and our loved ones. Consider the profound grief of a parent who buries a young child. Now, imagine the depth of God’s sorrow when He loses a child for all eternity. This is the urgency of repentance.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com