It’s humbling when nature acts on us, as seen with recent hurricanes; some are still recovering. I recall driving through Washington, Illinois, after a tornado, seeing people assess damage. I felt tears and a lump in my throat.
The same feeling overcame me when people lost everything in hurricanes two years ago. We remember recent fires in our country. It grips my heart when I saw people returning to find nothing but ashes. The memory remains vivid.
Isn’t it interesting that John the Baptist said we’d be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? Why relate the Holy Spirit to fire, which is so destructive? The point is that fire symbolizes purification, renewal, and hope for a better life.
Notice what the apostles saw on their heads at Pentecost: tongues of fire. This fire of the Holy Spirit “burned to ashes” how the disciples saw and related to Jesus and each other. It transformed their understanding, making their faith more personal and powerful. Jesus became their Teacher, Son of God, and LORD, inspiring us to seek that same relationship with Jesus and experience His renewing fire.
Gospel Challenge:
Do you relate to Jesus personally in prayer, and do you consider His presence in your family and daily encounters? Reflect on what in your relationships needs purification. Remember the words of absolution: “God the Father…has sent His Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sin.” Go to Jesus in the Sacrament and let Him IGNITE THE FIRE in you.
Love Your Neighbor: Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. 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
January 10, 2026, John 3:22-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011026.cfm What Do You Consider Worthwhile? Some things you hear strike you deeply and stay with you. Father Eric Doyle
January 8, 2026, Luke 4:14-22 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010826.cfm New Year’s Resolutions – One To Keep. Reflect on how your spiritual resolutions can become meaningful commitments that truly
January 11, 2026, Mark 6: 45-52 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010726.cfm We Are Never Alone Some people who have lived in their apartments for years find out one day
January 6, 2026, Mark 6: 34-44 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010626.cfm One And The Same Heart For People. When was the last time you were moved with pity for
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for the Baptism of the Lord
January 11, 2026, Matthew 3:13-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm
The Holy Spirit And Fire.
It’s humbling when nature acts on us, as seen with recent hurricanes; some are still recovering. I recall driving through Washington, Illinois, after a tornado, seeing people assess damage. I felt tears and a lump in my throat.
The same feeling overcame me when people lost everything in hurricanes two years ago. We remember recent fires in our country. It grips my heart when I saw people returning to find nothing but ashes. The memory remains vivid.
Isn’t it interesting that John the Baptist said we’d be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? Why relate the Holy Spirit to fire, which is so destructive? The point is that fire symbolizes purification, renewal, and hope for a better life.
Notice what the apostles saw on their heads at Pentecost: tongues of fire. This fire of the Holy Spirit “burned to ashes” how the disciples saw and related to Jesus and each other. It transformed their understanding, making their faith more personal and powerful. Jesus became their Teacher, Son of God, and LORD, inspiring us to seek that same relationship with Jesus and experience His renewing fire.
Gospel Challenge:
Do you relate to Jesus personally in prayer, and do you consider His presence in your family and daily encounters? Reflect on what in your relationships needs purification. Remember the words of absolution: “God the Father…has sent His Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sin.” Go to Jesus in the Sacrament and let Him IGNITE THE FIRE in you.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. 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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