In my younger years, my relationship with Jesus was one-sided. It was all about me and what I had to do to prove myself worthy of Him. The more I prayed and the nicer I was to people, the more I would be worthy of Jesus. Then I expected Him to owe me because I was so good. When I prayed for something, I expected an answer, and it never seemed to work that way.
I can say, as John the Baptist did, that I did not know Him in my younger years. It wasn’t until my novice master prayed over me to release the Holy Spirit in my life that Jesus became a real person to whom I could relate.
Our Lord Jesus became my best friend over the years. I’ve learned that engaging in prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in the sacraments helps us keep that friendship alive and growing. I need direction on how to deepen my relationship with Jesus through these spiritual practices.
An excellent app called “Hallow” continually gives that direction. There are courses like “The Bible in a Year” and “Catechism the Year.” There are morning routines, Sunday and weekday reflections on the Gospel from Mass, and music to help you sleep. You can listen while you pray the Rosary, the Divine Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and many prayers.
Gospel Challenge:
If you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit, I invite you to stop by after Mass. I’d be honored to pray with you, whether I’m in the back or singing in the choir.
Do whatever it takes to make Jesus your best friend-through prayer, reflection, and openness-and keep Him that way. PS. Please, God, we all know Him not just as a figure but as a personal friend.
Love Your Neighbor:
Let us pray together for all baptized Catholics to remain faithful to Jesus at every Mass. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
April 15, 2026, John 3: 16-21 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041526.cfm Everyone The word “everyone” grabbed my attention right away when I read the first line of today’s gospel.
April 14, 2026, John 3: 7b – 15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041426.cfm Inquiring Minds Want to Know. When I read the gospel for Tuesday, the National Enquirer slogan,
April 13, 2026, John 3:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041326.cfm “How Do I Get To The Other Side?” You may have heard about the two people walking on opposite
April 12, 2026, John 20:19-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041226.cfm Jesus’ Mercy is the Best Love You Will Ever Know Peace to all of you, and Happy Easter. Being
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday in Christmastide.
John 1:29-34
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010324.cfm
“I did not know him.”
In my younger years, my relationship with Jesus was one-sided. It was all about me and what I had to do to prove myself worthy of Him. The more I prayed and the nicer I was to people, the more I would be worthy of Jesus. Then I expected Him to owe me because I was so good. When I prayed for something, I expected an answer, and it never seemed to work that way.
I can say, as John the Baptist did, that I did not know Him in my younger years. It wasn’t until my novice master prayed over me to release the Holy Spirit in my life that Jesus became a real person to whom I could relate.
Our Lord Jesus became my best friend over the years. I’ve learned that engaging in prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in the sacraments helps us keep that friendship alive and growing. I need direction on how to deepen my relationship with Jesus through these spiritual practices.
An excellent app called “Hallow” continually gives that direction. There are courses like “The Bible in a Year” and “Catechism the Year.” There are morning routines, Sunday and weekday reflections on the Gospel from Mass, and music to help you sleep. You can listen while you pray the Rosary, the Divine Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and many prayers.
Gospel Challenge:
If you desire a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit, I invite you to stop by after Mass. I’d be honored to pray with you, whether I’m in the back or singing in the choir.
Do whatever it takes to make Jesus your best friend-through prayer, reflection, and openness-and keep Him that way. PS. Please, God, we all know Him not just as a figure but as a personal friend.
Love Your Neighbor:
Let us pray together for all baptized Catholics to remain faithful to Jesus at every Mass. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
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