Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 1st Week in Lent

February 26, 2026, Matthew 7:7-12

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022626.cfm

Ask, Don’t Tell. 

Have you ever been asked to stand up and share something with a group of people, only to have your mind go blank? You have no idea what to say. It can be nerve-wracking, I agree.

The emptiness we experience in these moments can help us appreciate how we must pray to Jesus, especially when asking for something. Isn’t it true that sometimes we have it all worked out how we want Jesus to answer our prayers? Or do we tell Him how we want someone to be?

Do you remember the resurrection appearance of Jesus on the seashore while his disciples were in the boat fishing? They caught nothing all night. The word night here refers to what we try to do without Jesus. But what happens when He says, “Children, throw the net on the other side of the boat”? They caught so many fish that the nets were tearing. They filled two boats.

So how do we pray to receive the abundant gifts of Jesus? We ask. We leave the results to the Lord, knowing His gifts are beyond our imagination. Our hearts enter the emptiness we feel when we stand to speak to a crowd and nothing comes to mind, but we trust in His abundance.

Gospel Challenge:  

We place our needs in the hands of Jesus as we open our hearts and minds in love and close our eyes in trust, allowing Jesus to take care of them however He chooses (Father Dolindo Ruotolo. https://www.fatherdolindoruotolo.com).

Remember, if you, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him (Matthew 7:11)?

Asking Jesus works much better than telling Him what to do, because it limits what He wants to give us.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC   
www.bscchurch.com