Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday 1st Week of Lent

March 10, 2025, Matthew 25: 31-46

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031025.cfm

Jesus Incognito.

You may remember this story. Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote,

“One of our novices came from a far country and a well-to-do family. She was sent right away to our home for the destitute who were dying, just like the rest of the novices. Before they left, I told them, ‘During Mass, you have seen with what care and tenderness the priest touched the Body of Christ changed into the Bread of Life. Do the same in the home for the dying destitute.’”

Three hours later, the novices returned. The newly arrived novice approached me and said, full of joy, “Mother, I have been touching the Body of Christ for three hours!” I asked her, “What have you done?” She said she had rescued a man lying in the gutter, half eaten by worms. “I felt that I was touching the Body of Christ as Jesus said, I was sick, and you visited me.” (Magnificat P. 205, Monday, January 15)

Along with people lying in our streets, like in Calcutta, we also have people experiencing ‘poverty of heart, lack of love, compassion, and understanding, like people experiencing poverty in Calcutta are unloved and unwanted, especially by their own.

Gospel Challenge:
Who is the Body of Christ in our homes, families, parish, and neighborhoods?

What might happen if we touch them with the same care and tenderness as the priest touching the Body of Christ at Mass? We will see Jesus in people’s suffering when we do for them what we would do for Him.

Let us pray for this grace for each other, knowing that with God’s help, we can serve others with the love and care Jesus deserves in them.

Pray for this grace for each other.

Love Your Neighbor:

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.

pastor@bscchurch.com