June 22, 2025, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
Food for the Journey
It blows my mind to think that God the Father loves us so much and asked His Son to suffer, die, and rise from the dead to free us from our sins. And Jesus at the Last Supper gave His apostles the power to change bread into His Body and wine into His Blood so we could be present at His Crucifixion and Resurrection every time we celebrate the Holy Mass. We are beyond time and space in this mystery.
Think how much God loves us to be our Food for our journey to heaven. Every time I offer Mass and say those words of Consecration, all time stops, and my heart bursts with so much affection for God and you that I can’t put it into words.
Like you, I need to celebrate the Mass and can’t imagine what my life would be like without Jesus living Body and Soul in me. Celebrating the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ today brings me back to when I was eight or nine years old.
I got home from school and heard my Mom saying, “Ricky, will you please clean up that mess in the kitchen for me.” “But Mom, I didn’t make it.” She replied, “I know, but do it because you love me.” I was happy to clean it up. It took less time than our conversation.
Wow! My Mom was wise. Whenever my initial response to do something is “No, I don’t want to,” I recall her words, “Do it because you love me.”
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed a “No” to His Father, “Let this cup pass me by.” Then he added, “But let not my will but Yours be done.” I believe Jesus was praying these words in me when my Mom asked me to clean up the kitchen. It is incredible how everything changes when you do things out of love for God or someone else.
Can I share one more time when I experienced the unconditional love of my parents, who, with God’s grace, instilled in me the passion to be a priest and religious? It was the day of my ordination. I got out of the car and opened the trunk to get my vestments.
Dad put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Son, look at me.” I looked at him, and he said, “Son, if this is not what you want, please know we will always love you.” I couldn’t speak but hugged him and Mom like I never wanted to let go. Finally, I said, “Dad, Mom, I love you so much and know I haven’t wanted anything more in this life.”
Gospel Challenge:
What fond memories come to mind that help you love Jesus in the Holy Mass? How did you come to love Him so much more that you can’t live your life without Him living in you? Where do you need Him to be in Communion with you to do only what He can do because He is God?
Peace, my friends.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
June 22, 2025, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
Food for the Journey
It blows my mind to think that God the Father loves us so much and asked His Son to suffer, die, and rise from the dead to free us from our sins. And Jesus at the Last Supper gave His apostles the power to change bread into His Body and wine into His Blood so we could be present at His Crucifixion and Resurrection every time we celebrate the Holy Mass. We are beyond time and space in this mystery.
Think how much God loves us to be our Food for our journey to heaven. Every time I offer Mass and say those words of Consecration, all time stops, and my heart bursts with so much affection for God and you that I can’t put it into words.
Like you, I need to celebrate the Mass and can’t imagine what my life would be like without Jesus living Body and Soul in me. Celebrating the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ today brings me back to when I was eight or nine years old.
I got home from school and heard my Mom saying, “Ricky, will you please clean up that mess in the kitchen for me.” “But Mom, I didn’t make it.” She replied, “I know, but do it because you love me.” I was happy to clean it up. It took less time than our conversation.
Wow! My Mom was wise. Whenever my initial response to do something is “No, I don’t want to,” I recall her words, “Do it because you love me.”
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed a “No” to His Father, “Let this cup pass me by.” Then he added, “But let not my will but Yours be done.” I believe Jesus was praying these words in me when my Mom asked me to clean up the kitchen. It is incredible how everything changes when you do things out of love for God or someone else.
Can I share one more time when I experienced the unconditional love of my parents, who, with God’s grace, instilled in me the passion to be a priest and religious? It was the day of my ordination. I got out of the car and opened the trunk to get my vestments.
Dad put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Son, look at me.” I looked at him, and he said, “Son, if this is not what you want, please know we will always love you.” I couldn’t speak but hugged him and Mom like I never wanted to let go. Finally, I said, “Dad, Mom, I love you so much and know I haven’t wanted anything more in this life.”
Gospel Challenge:
What fond memories come to mind that help you love Jesus in the Holy Mass? How did you come to love Him so much more that you can’t live your life without Him living in you? Where do you need Him to be in Communion with you to do only what He can do because He is God?
Peace, my friends.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com
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