Religious persecution is not a common experience for us here in the U.S., unlike in other countries. Unfortunately, it is something our brothers and sisters in the Middle East face.
We are witnessing millions of people forced to leave their homes and native land to migrate to countries that will welcome them. Over 50,000 people have been martyred for their faith by rebels in Nigeria.
Can you imagine what it must be like for them? Developing empathy for persecuted brothers and sisters helps us understand their struggles and motivates us to show mercy and support.
When someone says or does something that hurts us, we can see it as either a direct attack or a reflection of their pain. So, our response will be either vengeance or mercy, either setting things right for ourselves or choosing to love that person through their misery.
Fear drives us to retaliate, while love and mercy lead us to walk with those who suffer for their faith, inspiring us to support persecuted individuals and practice compassion despite inconvenience.
Gospel Challenge: Have you asked yourself what you can do to help people who are persecuted? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us something we all can do—show mercy to someone in our midst.
March 16, 2026, John 4:43-54 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031626.cfm No More Dog Days with Jesus Growing up, I loved to fish with my Dad. What mattered most to
March 8, 2026, John 4:5-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm Jesus, talk to Me. Don’t Make Me Laugh. Imagine this woman approaching Jacob’s well. She has heard of Jesus
March 14, 2026, Luke 18 9-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031426.cfm Seal the Deal? In 1981, I visited Father Gordon at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seminole during my first
March 13, 2026, Mark 12:28-34https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031326.cf Don’t ask any more questions. Recall a moment when your heart feltoverwhelmed, almost to bursting.You couldn’t handle any more.Perhaps it was
Father Rick’s Two-Minute for Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
November 26, 2025, Luke 21: 12-19
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm
A Wisdom No Adversary Can Refute.
Religious persecution is not a common experience for us here in the U.S., unlike in other countries. Unfortunately, it is something our brothers and sisters in the Middle East face.
We are witnessing millions of people forced to leave their homes and native land to migrate to countries that will welcome them. Over 50,000 people have been martyred for their faith by rebels in Nigeria.
Can you imagine what it must be like for them? Developing empathy for persecuted brothers and sisters helps us understand their struggles and motivates us to show mercy and support.
When someone says or does something that hurts us, we can see it as either a direct attack or a reflection of their pain. So, our response will be either vengeance or mercy, either setting things right for ourselves or choosing to love that person through their misery.
Fear drives us to retaliate, while love and mercy lead us to walk with those who suffer for their faith, inspiring us to support persecuted individuals and practice compassion despite inconvenience.
Gospel Challenge:
Have you asked yourself what you can do to help people who are persecuted? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us something we all can do—show mercy to someone in our midst.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
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