After my morning adoration, I end with the benediction and the blessing. Some of the people I bless with Jesus no longer practice their Catholic Faith and are not personally handing the Faith on to their children. There is no judgment here, only mercy. I pray the Lord touches them and shows them how near He is.
They came to my mind while I was praying over the gospel today. Jesus asks his disciples, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? Jesus promises us that He will never abandon us, no matter if we turn away from Him.
I realized that He is never taken away from our friends who do not join us on Sunday. The Lord is always there, even if they no longer recognize His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament and other Sacraments, or if they have another reason for their absence.
Indeed, they still believe. Their prayers, works of mercy, and other Catholic practices are part of their lives. But do they see (believe) Jesus in His Body and Blood on the altar at Mass? Only they know. Of course, these are only questions on my part.
I feel truly grateful when they are open to sharing their faith stories. It’s wonderful to understand their struggles and how they connect with the Lord and the Church, and to support them with love.
Gospel Challenge: I encourage you to join me in fasting for someone who chose not to receive Jesus in Word and Sacrament on the Lord’s Day. Fasting is such a heartfelt way to offer a part of ourselves to the Lord, keeping that person in our prayers. Jesus knows the perfect moment when He will reveal Himself to them and remind them that He has never left their side. His love for us is always unwavering, no matter what.
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 Homily for Friday after Ash Wednesday
February 20, 2026, Luke 9:14-15
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022026.cfm
Away from the Lord? Not Really.
After my morning adoration, I end with the benediction and the blessing. Some of the people I bless with Jesus no longer practice their Catholic Faith and are not personally handing the Faith on to their children. There is no judgment here, only mercy. I pray the Lord touches them and shows them how near He is.
They came to my mind while I was praying over the gospel today. Jesus asks his disciples, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? Jesus promises us that He will never abandon us, no matter if we turn away from Him.
I realized that He is never taken away from our friends who do not join us on Sunday. The Lord is always there, even if they no longer recognize His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament and other Sacraments, or if they have another reason for their absence.
Indeed, they still believe. Their prayers, works of mercy, and other Catholic practices are part of their lives. But do they see (believe) Jesus in His Body and Blood on the altar at Mass? Only they know. Of course, these are only questions on my part.
I feel truly grateful when they are open to sharing their faith stories. It’s wonderful to understand their struggles and how they connect with the Lord and the Church, and to support them with love.
Gospel Challenge:
I encourage you to join me in fasting for someone who chose not to receive Jesus in Word and Sacrament on the Lord’s Day. Fasting is such a heartfelt way to offer a part of ourselves to the Lord, keeping that person in our prayers. Jesus knows the perfect moment when He will reveal Himself to them and remind them that He has never left their side. His love for us is always unwavering, no matter what.
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
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