Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily ~ Thursday 13th Week in Ordinary Time

July 2, 2026, Matthew 9:1-8

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070226.cfm

There Is Nothing Routine about Jesus

Routines are a part of everyday life. We do the same things when we wake up and
prepare for the day. We probably drive the same way to work. So, would it be fair to say
that our relationships are also subject to routine? We greet and say goodbye to people
the same way. Some people we shake hands with, and others we hug.  
 
Our relationship with the Lord also follows a routine. We pray at the same time, often
using the same prayers. Without realizing it, we can develop a static view of who God is
to us. In today’s gospel, it was blasphemous for Jesus to show his mercy to the
paralyzed man. The paralytic’s sinful state was more important to Jesus than his
paralysis.   
 
Oblivious to what people thought, Jesus absolved his sins. When the scribes accused
Jesus of blasphemy, he asked his critics: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are
forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” Breaking the routine of how people saw Jesus, he
first forgave and then healed the paralytic.  

Gospel Challenge:

Without absolving his sin, the paralytic could have walked physically but not in the
Lord’s way. When you pray, do you ask God to do something? What is God asking you
to do to walk with Him more generously throughout the day? Do not be afraid if your
routine with God changes. Just walk with Him. He knows where He’s leading you and
how to get there.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  

www.bscchurch.com 
www.rosminians.com