Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday after Ash Wednesday       

 March 7, 2024, Luke 9:14-15

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022423.cfm

Away from the Lord? Not Really.    

   

After my adoration every morning, I end with the benediction and the blessing. Some of the people I bless with Jesus are people who no longer practice their Catholic Faith and are not personally handing the Faith on to their children. There is no judgment here, only mercy. I pray the Lord touches them and lets them know how near He is to them.   

   

They came to mind when I prayed over the gospel today. Jesus asks his disciples, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? Jesus never abandons us, no matter if we abandon Him.

So, I realized He is never taken away from our friends who don’t meet with us on Sunday. The Lord is always present, even if they no longer perceive His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament and other Sacraments, or they have another reason.    

  

Indeed, they still believe. Their prayers, works of mercy, and other Catholic practices are in their life. But do they see (believe) Jesus in His Body and Blood on the altar at Mass? Only they know. Of course, these are only questions on my part.

I am so happy when they are ready to share their faith story. It is good to understand their struggles and relationship with the Lord and the Church and love them there.   

  

Gospel Challenge:
So, I fast for them and invite you to fast for someone who chose not to receive Jesus in Word and Sacrament on the Lord’s Day. Fasting is a powerful act of giving something of ourselves to the Lord for the benefit of the person for whom we fast. Jesus knows the day and hour when He will reveal Himself to them and let them know He never left them.    It is his nature to love us no matter what.

   Love Your Neighbor: