30th Sunday in Ordinary Time C, October 23, 2022

Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time C, October 23, 2022
Luke 18:9-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102322.cfm
Please open your Scriptures and read these verses prayerfully.

WHO’S THE GOOD GUY, AND WHO’S THE BAD GUY?

How easy to imagine someone kneeling during the Eucharistic prayer at Mass and someone catches their attention? Maybe it is someone they see or someone they remember. An unpleasant encounter occurred with that person, and they haven’t forgotten it. Suddenly, their peaceful prayer time with the Lord just went south. It’s like it just happened. All those feelings came rushing into their hearts, and their minds were full of anger.

It is amazing how this happens during the holy Mass. But perhaps the Holy Spirit brings that person to mind and those emotions to heart. And then, at the consecration, the Presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit recalls our Lord’s words from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”

Suddenly, they are no longer the Pharisee sitting in the front of the church, patting themselves on the back. They are the tax collector in the back of the church pleading, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

A rush of our Lord’s Presence rushes into their mind and heart. It’s incredible how Jesus can simultaneously make us feel unworthy and precious to Him.

My friends, Jesus takes a considerable risk with us, letting us see our soul as he sees it. I know that if it’s all about me, I won’t listen to Jesus. I will walk out of church the way I walked in, the Pharisee.
The Gospel Challenge:

But if I listen to Jesus, speaking gently to my heart, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing,” nothing would be the same again. My friends, let no sin be unforgivable.

IGNITE THE FIRE.

God bless you, my friends.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com

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