Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time

September 27, 2025, Luke 9:18-22
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092725.cfm

How Much Do I Love Jesus?

There are many ways to see a person, from social to profoundly intimate relationships. We can also know a lot about a person, but that doesn’t mean we know them personally.  

  
We know the difference between reading a biography, meeting someone socially, and sharing deeply over the years. The latter reflects the profound, personal relationship Jesus seeks with each of us. How well did Peter know Jesus when he called Him the Christ, God’s Anointed One?  

  
Would we not react like Peter did when witnessing Jesus’ miracles? When Jesus talked about God, his words touched his heart. Peter experienced this daily for three years.  

  
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Peter frequently witnessed Jesus’ work on Mount Tabor. Jesus recognized that Peter and the disciples hadn’t completely grasped His true identity because they hadn’t yet experienced His mercy firsthand in their sins. For Peter, this realization came during a pivotal moment between his denial and Easter morning, when Jesus lovingly forgave him.  

  
Do you remember that tender question after Jesus rose from the dead—“Peter, do you love me?” The kindness we feel from someone’s good heart creates a uniqueunbreakable bond between us, a connection that only love can truly understand.  

It’s in those moments when we can stand before the Lord and genuinely say, “I’m sorry,” that we truly discover who He is. And in those intimate moments, we see Him come back to us just like He did for Peter, gently saying, “I love you. I will always love you.”  
   

Much of our culture tends to medicate, pretend, or run away from the mercy that can genuinely bring us healing. We often turn to distractions, substances, or denial to avoid facing our sins and the need for God’s mercy. But there’s a deeply freeing feeling that comes when we stand before Jesus and honestly say with heartfelt tears, “I never meant to hurt you so much.” 

Gospel Challenge: 

When he told Simon the Pharisee, after forgiving Mary Magdalene, ‘It is the one who is forgiven much that loves much,” this Gospel Challenge urges us to consider our love for Jesus. It makes me ask—how much do I love Jesus? Do I dare walk with Him down that path of mercy? Feel free to ask St. Peter to intercede—he truly understands. 

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.   

frrick@bscchurch.com 

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