Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday in the Octave of Easter

April 9, 2026, Luke 24:35-48

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040926.cfm

Why Are You Troubled? May I Have A Piece of Fish?

For years, I haven’t given up anything for Lent. Father Antonio Rosmini coined the term PPIs or Peculiar Penances of the Institute. (The Institute of Charity is the name of our religious order.) They are those little or big crosses that come unexpectedly. It takes a lot of grace to embrace these crosses joyfully every day, and I couldn’t do it without Jesus’s help. I ask for forgiveness when I forget to ask His help.

When I read Jesus’s words, “Why are you troubled?” PPIs came to mind: I wonder how often Jesus has asked you and me, “Why are you troubled?” He said this to His disciples on the first Easter Sunday. They thought they saw a ghost when He appeared to them. It’s like He is saying, “Don’t you get it? I am alive. May I have a piece of fish?” So, He took it and ate it. Yummy.

Eating the fish before the disciples proved that Jesus was not a ghost. So, when you and I are troubled, Jesus will ask us for a piece of fish. The piece of fish is the incredible thing that only Jesus can do in any struggle we are experiencing – a PPI. So, the piece of fish is trust, the trust that Jesus will bear the battle for us and bring us through it to the other side, that is our “little” resurrection. It’s just as He promised, “Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.”

Gospel Challenge:

The “rest” is a tiny drop of heaven – a little resurrection from the dead. So, what fish is Jesus eating for you today?

Love Your Neighbor.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com