Fr. Rick’s Homily: Friday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time

July 10th, 2026

Matthew 10:16-23
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071026.cfm

Not everyone will welcome the Good News of Jesus.

Yesterday, we commemorated the bravery of the first missionaries as they embarked on
their mission. They learned to depend on God for everything and were blessed with the
generosity of their hosts. 
 
Today, Jesus prepared the first missionaries of the Church for the possibility that not
everyone would be welcoming. “No servant is greater than their master.” Jesus warned
them that people might reject Him, and they could face rejection as well. 
 
He mentioned that even their families and friends might persecute them just as they did
Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth. Do you recall how they wanted to lead him to the
hill’s edge and throw him off the cliff?  
Similar to their Lord, they may face trials before judges and even confront death
because of their faith. These persecutions continue within families, workplaces, and
schools. Yet we stay united in our faith, even if it leads to divisions. 
 
I know individuals who were engaged to marry but left their future spouses because
they refused to allow their children to be baptized. Private companies have also taken
their cases to the Supreme Court because their consciences prevented them from
providing birth control to their employees under the Affordable Health Care Act. This
pattern continues. 
 
Gospel Challenge: 
Our ultimate goal is to do what is right in God’s eyes, even if it costs us our business,
family, or lives. Let’s pray for the thousands of refugees who have lost everything
because of persecution for their faith. May we be inspired by the grace of the martyrs
and find strength in the Holy Spirit.

Love Your Neighbor!

Father Rick Pilger, IC 

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com