Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, 3rd Week in Easter

May 5,2025, John 6:22-29
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050525.cfm

You Become What You Eat.

Do you ever get tired of seeing the same ads on TV? They repeat them over and over. They may whet our appetites the first couple of times we see them, but then they get old. Do you also notice how old something new can get, like the smell of a new car or the shirt you just had to buy but didn’t need?

These are foods that Jesus talks about that perish. I notice we call them “updates. “Some things are necessary to update, like our phones, because we can lose their service. But do we have to have the latest phone with the new feature on the camera?

Food that perishes will always have updates. But there is Food that endures all through this life into eternal life. It is the Food Jesus gives us – Himself. Eating something becomes a part of us, and the nutrients we receive from this food keep us alive. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” 

The Father’s nutrients are from the Sacred Heart of His Son: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5: 22-23). We don’t have to work for this Food and can’t buy it.

This food changes us from within, at the core of who we are, and we become like the One we eat at His Supper. A total transformation occurs in us, like the one on the altar at Mass.  

We can become more loving, understanding, and kind in challenging situations. At Mass, we pray with Jesus from the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Gospel Challenge: 
What nutrients do we need right now? Do not work for it; receive it. Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual needs and how Jesus can provide for them.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  
www.bscchurch.com