Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

August 17, 2025, Luke 12:49-53

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102424.cfm

Find a friend in Jesus. 

I moved to Florida in 1995. It’s wonderful to play golf and enjoy outdoor activities year-round, but I must admit I miss experiencing the changing of seasons. Change is something everyone sometimes finds difficult to handle. There can be resistance when the Lord touches our hearts enough to desire Him and His plans more than our own. Nothing compares to a close relationship with Jesus.

Family and friends often face a similar divide when one person comes to Christ and other family members have not experienced His mercy. When St. Luke wrote his gospel, Jewish synagogues expelled followers of Jesus from their services. The prayers and religious practices that once unified the family became a source of division.

We know in our own families and extended families, there are children who no longer practice their Catholic faith and children who haven’t been baptized. Others come wanting their children baptized but have no intention of raising them Catholic or being faithful in celebrating the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day.

Let’s stay strong in our faith even when faced with challenges. As St. Pope John Paul II lovingly reminds us, “Do not be afraid.” Remember to share the forgiving and caring love of the Lord Jesus, who is the only true fire capable of touching an unbelieving heart. Together, our kindness and faith can make a difference.

Gospel Challenge:

If you are experiencing the pain of division in your family because a child or loved one is no longer practicing their faith, have courage that Jesus hears your heartfelt prayers and knows the day and hour when they are hungry for His merciful love.

Pray to St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, who prayed for 33 years for her son to convert from a Playboy, drunken life of sinful ways. Jesus heard her prayers. She never gave up, so much did she want her son’s soul to be saved. He became one of the greatest theologians the Catholic Church has ever known.

Our family members are no different than St. Monica and her son, St. Augustine. Have Courage! Our Father in Heaven hears every one of your prayers for His sons and daughters.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.  

www.bscchurch.com

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