August 26, 2026
Matthew 23:27-32
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082626.cfm
Anesthesia Is Painless, But Watch Out.
How did people ever manage before anesthesia? They would bite down as hard as they
could on a rag to endure the pain. Today, you don’t have to count to three or ten. You’re
out cold as soon as you get the shot.
But watch out because when the anesthesia and the nerve block wear off, you’ll need
strong medication to keep you as pain-free as possible. So I thought of anesthesia
when I read today’s gospel.
Speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said, “You pay tithes of mint, dill, and
cumin, yet have neglected the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and
fidelity. But these you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Sin is like anesthesia. It dulls us to the pain it brings into our lives and relationships. It
starts with small things, and we think it’s okay when there are no consequences. But
according to psychologists, behaviors become our norm within 4 to 6 weeks.
Then we do them unconsciously. With such mental and emotional anesthesia, small
sins become big ones, ignored until we pay the price. Many thought after COVID they
could watch Mass at home, eventually gave up going to Mass altogether on weekends.
Jesus understands that no one can pay the price for any sin, no matter how small.
Because of this, He is firm with the scribes and Pharisees, hoping they will change and
not pay the price that only He could settle on the cross—the absolution of sin we
receive through a priest in Confession.
If we could absolve even the smallest sin, Jesus would not have had to suffer. Only God
can absolve sin. Forgiveness restores a relationship. Absolution attacks sin and
absolves it for eternity.
Gospel Challenge:
When we go a long time without Confession, it’s hard to remember what we’ve done
wrong. So, before we lose the sense of the pain of sin, we make it a habit to go to
Confession every four to six weeks or more. The Sacrament of Confession is the
remedy that heals the infection, and His grace removes all traces of sin from us.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
