March 9, 2025, Luke 41-13
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030925.cfm
Do I Or Don’t I?
There’s a stop sign on a busy street near our rectory, 70th Ave. and 113th St. I often find myself there, and I’m sure many of you have been in a similar situation. Unfortunately, there’s also a “No Left Turn” sign at the same stop. It would save turning right and making a U-turn. But a while ago, a car turned left at that stop sign in front of me. I caught myself looking to see if a policeman was nearby, not to catch the guy in front of me, but to see if I could do the same thing.
Do I or don’t I? If you are wondering, I didn’t break the law, but it was sure tempting. Temptations come up all the time. But remember, God leaves these choices up to us. In the Book of Deuteronomy, He says, “I place before you life and death, the blessing and the curse” (Deut. 13:19).
I can only imagine how Jesus was tempted to change a stone into a loaf of bread after not eating for forty days. Instead, he chose life, our life in Him. We, too, have the power to choose life over sin. This power of choice is a gift, a testament to God’s grace, and it is ready to serve us.
Think about that — a lousy piece of bread to satisfy a moment of hunger compared to saving all humankind from sin. Even all the world’s kingdoms are only a drop in the ocean compared to the salvation of one soul.
We can learn from Jesus to evaluate our choices. Why would we eat a bite of cookie when we can have an 8-course gourmet dinner? A sinful choice will never satisfy us but only make us sad. But when we make the right choice, we feel a deep sense of fulfillment.
This fulfillment is not a fleeting emotion but a lasting satisfaction that fills our hearts and souls. Listen deep in your inner being, “I place before you life or death. Choose life that you may live and be truly fulfilled.”
We can do honorable things that benefit ourselves and others. If it involves a sacrifice, that’s all the better. When we make a sacrifice, we are not just acting for ourselves but for the greater good.
This selflessness reflects our love for others and our commitment to living a life of service. We have nothing to fear when we walk a few steps with Jesus in His desert.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the 1st Sunday in Lent
March 9, 2025, Luke 41-13
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030925.cfm
Do I Or Don’t I?
There’s a stop sign on a busy street near our rectory, 70th Ave. and 113th St. I often find myself there, and I’m sure many of you have been in a similar situation. Unfortunately, there’s also a “No Left Turn” sign at the same stop. It would save turning right and making a U-turn. But a while ago, a car turned left at that stop sign in front of me. I caught myself looking to see if a policeman was nearby, not to catch the guy in front of me, but to see if I could do the same thing.
Do I or don’t I? If you are wondering, I didn’t break the law, but it was sure tempting. Temptations come up all the time. But remember, God leaves these choices up to us. In the Book of Deuteronomy, He says, “I place before you life and death, the blessing and the curse” (Deut. 13:19).
I can only imagine how Jesus was tempted to change a stone into a loaf of bread after not eating for forty days. Instead, he chose life, our life in Him. We, too, have the power to choose life over sin. This power of choice is a gift, a testament to God’s grace, and it is ready to serve us.
Think about that — a lousy piece of bread to satisfy a moment of hunger compared to saving all humankind from sin. Even all the world’s kingdoms are only a drop in the ocean compared to the salvation of one soul.
We can learn from Jesus to evaluate our choices. Why would we eat a bite of cookie when we can have an 8-course gourmet dinner? A sinful choice will never satisfy us but only make us sad. But when we make the right choice, we feel a deep sense of fulfillment.
This fulfillment is not a fleeting emotion but a lasting satisfaction that fills our hearts and souls. Listen deep in your inner being, “I place before you life or death. Choose life that you may live and be truly fulfilled.”
We can do honorable things that benefit ourselves and others. If it involves a sacrifice, that’s all the better. When we make a sacrifice, we are not just acting for ourselves but for the greater good.
This selflessness reflects our love for others and our commitment to living a life of service. We have nothing to fear when we walk a few steps with Jesus in His desert.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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