​You;​Laiju Francis​

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time C
August 31, 2025, Luke 14:1, 7-14,  
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm

The Banquet of the Lord – Poor, Crippled, Lame, and Blind

The readings this week focus on the importance of humility. It might seem strange when I say that I am so proud of you and your generosity toward people who can’t repay you. Jesus mentions this in the gospel. Please consider how generous you are every Friday to those in need by providing meals for Pinellas Hope.

Recall the meals that Ascribed Members collect for the poor in Venezuela. Thirty families and 300 children enjoy a healthy meal every day because of your generosity, which is made possible through your support of their bake sales. 

Mothers staying at Kimberly home who chose to have their babies received donations from Ave Maria Guild and the Knights of Columbus. I am very grateful for the support you provide them through your fundraisers.

I am also grateful for the 304 donors from our parish who support the 50 ministries that Bishop Parkes and the Diocese help through the Catholic Ministry Appeal. Think of the thousands of people who eat, sleep, get an education, find jobs, and more because you gave from your heart to this appeal.

Recall all the times you’ve helped a neighbor out of kindness. God bless you and take care of all your needs. 

Your kindness and generosity challenge the typical values of this culture. The constant question they ask is, “What’s in it for me? How can I get ahead?” This reflects a deep emptiness in their hearts that cannot be filled with stuff. 

You might not realize it often, but the Eucharist—this wedding feast we’re celebrating now—is the origin of your generosity. We become similar to our Host. Something beautiful occurs when we step into the sanctuary. 

When we walk through those doors, we enter a sacred place filled with healing and mercy. We offer Jesus the parts of ourselves that are impoverished and crippled in living His gospel. We surrender to Him the parts of us that are blind to others’ needs and lame in fulfilling His acts of mercy. 

We might not see this miracle occurring within us, as the Lord conceals it to protect us from pride. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus reverses the situation, inviting us into His heart so we can open ours to the poor of the world? 

Gospel Challenge:
Stay close to this wedding feast of Jesus, which we call the Eucharist. He gives Himself to us so completely that we can give a little more of ourselves each time we receive Him. 

I’m truly grateful for the wonderful family we have here at Blessed Sacrament Church. Thank you, Jesus, for welcoming me into this loving parish. 

Love your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com