Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday in the Octave of Easter

April 25, 2025,  John 21:1-14

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040524.cfm  

Knucklehead.  

I watched a slapstick comedy called The Three Stooges while growing up. A common phrase the character Moe used was knucklehead when one of them did something silly. It’s like, you just don’t get it, do you? 

I am sure Jesus didn’t call any of His disciples “a knucklehead.” This was the third time Jesus revealed Himself to them, and they still didn’t get it. One thing it tells us is that the resurrection of the dead is far out of the range of our comprehension.  

Even after witnessing Jesus rise from the dead twice, Peter seems to revert to his old ways, saying, “I’m going fishing.” Yet, Jesus, in His infinite patience, continues to guide us. He is on the shore, cooking some fish. Only John recognizes Him. This patience, this enduring love, is a testament to Jesus’ commitment to us.  

Gospel Challenge:
I don’t want to remain a knucklehead when recognizing Jesus. So, who are the people He keeps sending to me, pointing Him out? They are the friend who forgives me, someone who did a kind act out of the blue, someone who was generous somehow.

It can be anyone who did even the most minor thing to make me feel special. We all have the power to be kind to others just because it’s the right thing to do. And in these acts of kindness, Jesus will keep revealing Himself. How many times? As many times as it takes.

Let’s be inspired to recognize Jesus in every act of kindness, no matter how small, and be motivated to spread His love. 

The Resurrection of Jesus comes to us in so many ways. 

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com