Fr. Rick’s Homily: Monday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time

July 20, 2026
Matthew 12:38-42
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072026.cfm

Go for the Gold

Once a year, our parish Knights of Columbus organize a golf tournament to support the
school. As with all tournaments, there’s a prize for the first-place team. Everyone aims
for that gold standard, first place. Some teams realize they probably won’t win, so they
play to enjoy the game with friends and contribute to the school. Still, no one wishes, “I
hope we finish second or third.”

The Pharisees were doing that—they chose something less than the best. Their gold
was the Mosaic Law, with no exceptions. Jesus provided examples showing He was
more important than the Law. It is possible to form personal relationships with
individuals, but not with laws.

We can pat ourselves on the back if we keep all the laws. But we raise the bar by
sharing everything with our Lord and Savior. In good times and bad, we are always in
first place with Jesus, who defeats every enemy, even death.

There is something greater than Solomon here,” Jesus told the Pharisees.

Gospel Challenge:
Are you settling for anything less than the Best? Talk to Jesus about it; when you do,
you will always be in first place.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com

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