2nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle A, March 5, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Gospel Reflection for
2nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle A, March 5, 2023
Matthew 24:17:1-9 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030523.cfm

Jesus is Not Only a Man.

I want to share a witness about my relationship with the Lord.
Sometimes I wonder how often I treat the Son of God like He is only a man in people who think differently from me. We are in an age where everyone has opinions on hot topics. And I discovered several years ago how much the news can influence my faith and relationship with God.

I had strong negative feelings about people who thought and acted differently from me. I have to admit, my heart became bitter, and an alarm went off when someone mentioned their names. I believed what I knew about them and convinced myself it was all true. I wouldn’t listen to an opposing opinion, either.

I was more like a Pharisee who thought he was better than “those people. “

My conscience began screaming inside me after Holy Communion, “You can’t hate these people who think and act differently from you. Love them for who they are, sons and daughters of God. He is Father to all people because He created all people, and there are no exceptions.”

It wasn’t in those words, but what I kept hearing every time I received Holy Communion. Then it started coming to me throughout Adoration of Jesus in the monstrance every morning. I began to feel like the prodigal son, running away from my heavenly father and looking for a new father. Jesus called him the father of lies.

I needed the Sacrament of our Lord’s Mercy. I remember that confession well. The priest understood and embraced me, saying, “Welcome home, my son.”

Gospel Challenge:
My heart changed along with my ideas, and now I listen to the Word of the Lord every morning in the Mass readings and the Catholic Church’s Catechism presented by Fr. Michael Smith on the App Hallow. Pray for me because if I let a day or two go by and don’t listen to the Lord, His peace leaves my heart, and all those horrible thoughts and emotions creep into me. I need to be with Jesus every day. He is not only a man but God’s only Begotten Son.

Shed the brilliance of your face on my soul, O, Lord.😀

IGNITE THE FIRE.

God bless you, my friends.

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

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