Father Rick’s Homily: Wednesday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time

September 23, 2026
Luke 9:1-6
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092326.cfm

Have No Fear To Hold The Pain Of Another In Your Heart.

How often have dictators come to power and been brought down? They exploit their
power to oppress their people into a subhuman existence. And what happens when
someone dares to oppose them? They assert their authority!

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus, in His humility and divine authority, granted His
disciples—and us—the power to overcome evil and heal, encouraging us to trust in His
strength in our efforts.

Jesus, the embodiment of divine authority, demonstrates His power through humility,
setting a profound example for us all. As Philippians 2 reveals, though divine, He
humbled Himself and became a servant. He emptied Himself, allowing sin to enslave
us, which ultimately led to His death on the cross. Let us bow our heads in reverence for
such a humble and powerful Savior.

Jesus takes into his wounded Body every sin and disease that afflicts the hearts and
lives of people. We don’t need a staff or a bag full of things to love people who are hurt
and wounded back to health.

It’s so easy to let our comforts interfere with our ability to feel others’ pain. They can be
a significant distraction, keeping us from noticing someone else’s suffering.

The human heart’s comfort goes beyond material satisfaction. It’s knowing that Jesus in
us longs to take our burdens to Himself. Take a moment to hold them in your heart. This
could mean praying for them, offering a listening ear, or even taking practical steps to
ease their suffering.

Gospel Challenge: 
Go to the Chapel or Mass and place them at Jesus’ feet on His cross. 1 Peter 2:24
says, “He bore our sins in his Body on a tree, that we might die to sin and live to
righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.”

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
   
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com