Certain tasks in life are essential. For example, going fishing requires live bait or lures. Training for a marathon means committing to daily practice. Managing finances involves securing a stable job. Following Jesus demands that we willingly carry our cross daily with Him. These challenges serve not as burdens but as opportunities to grow and become stronger.
The cross isn’t something we choose. There is a story about someone who thought his cross was too heavy, so he cut some of it off. It was still too heavy, so he cut off some more. Then, a third time, he did the same. Finally, he came to a deep drop-off. Though he could see the other side, he couldn’t jump that far. So he thought, “I will lay my cross over the drop-off and walk across.” But wouldn’t you know it? His cross was too short. He was stuck in his life and couldn’t advance. After that, things didn’t work out. He didn’t have the courage, patience, and perseverance to get through the tough times.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Jesus knew that if He cut His cross to suit Himself, we would be in our sins forever and never live eternally in heaven. There would be no salvation. It was a huge decision. He knew it was His Father’s will that none of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14). Jesus couldn’t let that happen. He stayed on course.
Jesus reminds us not to try to shrink our crosses to fit our comfort. The cross we bear in life is uniquely designed for each of us, tailored to guide us to heaven. Let’s not underestimate ourselves. Jesus makes the impossible possible. It’s time to stop avoiding our challenges and start embracing them, knowing they are ideally suited for our spiritual journey. God will provide us with the strength His Son had when He accepted His cross. Gospel Challenge: Pick up that cross with Jesus. You will be surprised that you are only lifting a splinter.
Love Your Neighbor: Peace be with you. Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C. pastor@bscchurch.com
February 18, 2026, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm This Lent, Set Your Standard High – 40 Days To Greatness! Competition is an inherent part of life. We
February 17, 2026, Mark 8:14-21https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021726.cfm Do We Get It? My Dad was a contractor for 45 years. He built churches and mansions and remodeledhomes. He
February 16, 2026, Mark 8:11-13https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021626.cfm You Can’t Rush A Good Steak Sometimes, I walk into the house and find someone cooking, and suddenly, I feel
February 14, 2026, Mark 8:1-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021426.cfm From Nothing to Abundance A friend of mine introduced me to the Consecration to St. Joseph. I completed the
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday after Ash Wednesday
February 19, 2026, Luke 9:22-25
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021926.cfm
Must is a strong Word.
Certain tasks in life are essential. For example, going fishing requires live bait or lures.
Training for a marathon means committing to daily practice. Managing finances involves
securing a stable job. Following Jesus demands that we willingly carry our cross daily
with Him. These challenges serve not as burdens but as opportunities to grow and
become stronger.
The cross isn’t something we choose. There is a story about someone who thought his
cross was too heavy, so he cut some of it off. It was still too heavy, so he cut off some
more. Then, a third time, he did the same. Finally, he came to a deep drop-off. Though
he could see the other side, he couldn’t jump that far. So he thought, “I will lay my cross
over the drop-off and walk across.”
But wouldn’t you know it? His cross was too short. He was stuck in his life and couldn’t
advance. After that, things didn’t work out. He didn’t have the courage, patience, and
perseverance to get through the tough times.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the
scribes, be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Jesus knew that if He cut His cross to
suit Himself, we would be in our sins forever and never live eternally in heaven. There
would be no salvation. It was a huge decision. He knew it was His Father’s will that
none of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14). Jesus couldn’t let that happen.
He stayed on course.
Jesus reminds us not to try to shrink our crosses to fit our comfort. The cross we bear in
life is uniquely designed for each of us, tailored to guide us to heaven. Let’s not
underestimate ourselves. Jesus makes the impossible possible. It’s time to stop
avoiding our challenges and start embracing them, knowing they are ideally suited for
our spiritual journey.
God will provide us with the strength His Son had when He accepted His cross.
Gospel Challenge:
Pick up that cross with Jesus. You will be surprised that you are only lifting a splinter.
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
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