Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, the 2nd Week of Easter

April 13, 2026, John 3:1-8

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041326.cfm

“How Do I Get To The Other Side?”

You may have heard about the two people walking on opposite sides of the riverbank. One asks, “How do I get to the other side?” The other responds, “You are on the other side.” It’s as if Nicodemus knows something special about Jesus but cannot put his finger on it.

He’s asking, “How do I get to the other side of life, where you are, Jesus?”

All he has to go by is the Law, and following the Law, whatever it might be for us, can never change our hearts or bring us from death to life. Think of a moment in the past when we were living in death, only for ourselves.

Jesus clarifies that living on the other side of death is something we could never do on our own. It’s a challenge, but one worth pursuing. All we can do on this side of death is live for ourselves. Let’s strive to live on the other side, in the light of Christ’s love and grace.

There may be a situation we face right now that gets the best of us. We can’t cross that river no matter what we do or how hard we try. But remember, we have already crossed that river in the transformative waters of our baptism. Those waters, still flowing from the heart of Jesus, as depicted in the painting Jesus created through the hands of St. Faustina, are a powerful symbol of our rebirth and renewal.

Gospel Challenge: Parents pass on their genes to their children. Likewise, we take on the genes of our Father in heaven. We have the look, touch, words, and actions of his firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead. As he said, “Do not look for the living among the dead.” Let’s not stay stuck in our old ways of living and all their vices. Live on the other side.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com