Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 

September 2, 2025, Luke 4:31-37

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090225.cfm

Jesus Is So Strong – Unbelievable, But It’s True.

A young couple asked me to bless their rental house. They had just moved in and were experiencing strange phenomena. I began the blessing at the back door with holy water and the Rite of Blessing. When I entered the study, some bay doors on the right suddenly flung open, and a throw rug ruffled up. I saw footprints across the bed, and another set of bay doors opened by themselves. No one was there. Around the corner, another throw rug ruffled up. Something extraordinary was happening.

When I went downstairs, I saw a long rectangular room with a workbench. Someone had sacrificed an animal there, as blood stained the walls and the bench. These bizarre events ceased after I blessed the house with holy water.

Consider how powerful Jesus is when demons cry out in the gospel, “We know who you are, the Son of God. Have you come to destroy us?” Think of Jesus’s strength when demons flee from holy water. Are you troubled by a temptation that won’t go away? Is it so embedded in your actions that you do it without thinking? Evil in any form has no authority over Jesus.

Gospel Challenge: 

Remember, you can invoke Jesus’ authority anytime you need it. Bless yourself in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the prayer a priest says when blessing water. You are under Jesus’ authority and can bless yourself anytime temptation appears. When demons flee from holy water, temptation cannot persist when you bless yourself with the sign of His Cross. This is your source of empowerment and confidence in the face of temptation.Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com