Fr. Rick’s One Minute Homily for Friday, 1st Week in Ordinary Time      

January 16, 2026, Mark 2:1-12

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011626.cfm

Strange How No One Helped Him.

We try to help people with disabilities, but in today’s Gospel, it’s strange that others wouldn’t let the paralytic see Jesus. In the Mediterranean mindset, people avoided those with paralysis.

They believed paralysis or any illness results from personal sin; no one can do anything about that, so why bother with the person with paralysis? Ignore him.

The friends’ compassion in bringing the paralytic to Jesus shows us how acts of mercy can bring healing; we are called to do the same.

He healed the whole person—body and soul. His mercy extended beyond physical healing. He didn’t judge the man. We should reflect on who is more helpless—the man who couldn’t walk or those who struggle to show mercy instead of judgment.

Gospel Challenge:
It is time to seek forgiveness for our sins and ask the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s light to reveal how we judge others.

Please, God, His mercy in us will help us open our Church doors as wide as the Lord opens our hearts. His mercy, received through forgiveness and compassion, should guide our actions and interactions.

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