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

July 11, 2026

Matthew 10:24-33
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071126.cfm

Like the Master – like the Teacher

Teachers and coaches have an innate quality of wanting to help others succeed. I have
taught people who wish to become Catholic. There have been a couple of occasions
when the new Catholic intends to become a teacher.

They attend a four-year class with the diocese called Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute. I
have seen them take courses to become catechists. Witnessing someone’s journey of
growing in their love for Jesus and the Church is a source of immense joy and
inspiration! 
 
We don’t have to be catechists to stand up for the faith we received from Jesus and the
apostles. The time will come for each of us when society tests our love for Jesus.
Our Church cannot change divinely revealed truths in morality and doctrine. Jesus
made Peter and his successors the Rock on which He built His Church. Our faithfulness
to the Rock is our faithfulness to Jesus. 
 
Like the candidates to become Catholic who choose to become catechists to share their
faith, we too must make the courageous decision to acknowledge Jesus before others.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my heavenly
Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
This act of courage empowers us and strengthens our faith. 

Jesus never caved when people threatened his life for speaking the Truth. Like our
Lord, the Church grows during times of persecution. Jesus widens our hearts to
embrace our persecutors and those who hate us with love.

Gospel Challenge:
Every day we face situations that test our commitment to Jesus – a little white lie, an
unkind thought we hold onto and act on, someone we refuse to forgive. Pray to be
faithful to the Rock in you.
It is enough for the student to become like his teacher for the disciple to become his
master. Pray, my friends, for the strength and COURAGE to persevere to the end.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com

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