Fr. Rick’s Homily: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 12, 2026
Matthew 13:1-9
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071226.cfm

Jesus and the Draft.

Drafts play an important role in sports. Colleges recruit high school students who stand
out for talent and ability. Coaches and managers choose a student’s top player based
on their passion and work ethic, much like how pro sports teams draft their players.

Companies hire graduates who are the brightest and most outstanding achievers.

Jesus would check SAT scores and review resumes if He were building a worldly
kingdom. Instead, He is building a Kingdom for heaven. He chose impulsive Simon,
Peter, and hotheaded brothers James and John, who wanted to destroy a town that
rejected Jesus. He also chose the hated tax collector Matthew, a sinner and traitor.

Jesus sent out these ordinary men to begin building His Kingdom. It was an unlikely
draft, yet it has worked and continues to work 2000 years later. Jesus loved and
accepted them where they were planted.

Some or all of them didn’t bear fruit at the time of their calling. What I appreciate about
Jesus is that He comes to us as we are, on a path that’s rocky and thorny. It doesn’t
matter to Him what we are like. It’s who we can become with Him.

He is waiting, hoping we will take root and grow in His Presence so He can bear a
hundredfold through us.

Gospel Challenge:
So why did Jesus draft you and me? We will find that answer in the area where we need
His mercy. The area where we are at our worst is where Jesus loves us most as our
Savior. How many times did He tell His disciples, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.”
No matter how dark our hearts may be at times, Jesus’ warmth and acceptance remain
shining. Go and be with Him where you would never go alone. That is where you will
hear His call to be His disciple.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.

He will.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

https://www.bscchurch.com
https://www.rosminians.com