Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

September 28, 2025, Luke 16:19-31 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092825.cfm

One Small Step. One Giant Leap.

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon. As he stepped onto the moon’s surface, he said, “One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.”

I was reminded of this story as I read about Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus sat just outside the rich man’s gate, and each day, the rich man would pass by him, busy with his own affairs.

Lazarus yearned for just a few scraps from the rich man’s table, yet he never got any. It’s pretty fascinating to imagine that these tiny, seemingly minor acts might have the power to transform the rich man’s life—if only he had truly seen Lazarus and understood his needs.

Unbeknownst to him, his heart was drifting further from Lazarus with every step. When they died, Lazarus ended up in Abraham’s bosom (heaven), while the rich man found himself in a fiery place, burning. He couldn’t understand why he was there, and Lazarus was so distant and at peace.

This awareness of his actions became a FOREVER regret, emphasizing the significance of those we ignore but need to acknowledge in our daily lives.

So, how does the Lord help us move beyond our self-interests? It’s much easier to be with Jesus in the heart of someone in need when we have first been with Jesus in our own hearts through prayer every day. Taking this first step and viewing people through the lens of compassion can become a giant leap toward heaven.

Gospel Challenge:
It’s not what we do that matters; it’s who we are with, Jesus, in the person in need. Then, what we do becomes an act of love.

Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for Me.

Love Your Neighbor:

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
frrick@bscchurch.com