Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 3rd Week in Lent

March 13, 2026, Mark 12:28-34
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031326.cf

Don’t ask any more questions.
 
Recall a moment when your heart felt
overwhelmed, almost to bursting.
You couldn’t handle any more.
Perhaps it was during a retreat or a tender
moment with a loved one, such as a child.
Your heart feels so full that you find yourself
crying, “Stop! Enough! I experience this often
when I visit the children at our school.
 
However, a different challenge really pushes
your boundaries.
It happens in the gospel we just heard/read,
where a scribe asked Jesus about the greatest
commandment.
He responded with two: love God with all your
heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor
as yourself. 
 
A neighbor can be anyone around us —
whether they’re opponents, enemies, or even
those who are facing difficult times.
It could be someone who shares
uncomfortable truths about ourselves, which
we might prefer not to hear.
Sometimes, what unsettles us is actually a
gentle challenge from Jesus, inviting us to let
go of what we cling to and open our hearts to
the growth He desires for us.
 
Gospel Challenge:
Could Jesus gently encourage me to deepen
my love for God and my neighbor by inviting
me to sacrifice some personal time –

—time I could otherwise spend with
Him, my family, or friends?
It might be helpful for me to consider how I can
best balance my schedule to volunteer more in
parish ministries or support other meaningful
causes. 
 
If you reach a point where you’re no longer
willing to listen, pay close attention.
Jesus is speaking.
Avoid being like the crowd who, after a while,
no longer dared to ask Him questions.
Find out where Jesus is leading you.
Remember, you won’t be alone;
He will be with you, guiding and supporting you
at every step.

How often our hearts burst with the heart of
Jesus when we love Him and others more than
ourselves!
 
Love Your Neighbor:
 
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
 pastor@bscchurch.com