We all have an alarm that goes off if someone is in a crisis. Think of the firefighters who run into a burning house to save someone, or the healthcare workers who sacrifice themselves for the good of others, especially during these challenging times. These are the everyday heroes we know who inspire us with their selfless acts of love and courage.
In the Gospel, we hear about a centurion, a Roman military officer, who would have been an example in the eyes of Jesus’ followers. He put his reputation on the line for an enslaved person. It’s important to note that Romans treated enslaved people worse than we treat animals. They could kill them without consequences. This centurion, however, saw the value of his servant, and his actions are a powerful example of love and compassion.
Jesus couldn’t help but see himself in the centurion. The distress of his servant was his distress. He treated him like his son. When we love others, especially those who have little or no worth in the eyes of the world, God’s heart melts to respond to all our needs.
With the heart of Christ, the centurion had no trouble believing that Jesus could heal his servant. He is a model of faith and love working together. St. James proclaims in his letter, “Show me your faith, and I will show you the work of charity that backs up my faith” (James 2:18).
God can’t help but respond to needs born in love for others. Genuine love for others is the backbone of faith that moves God’s heart to heal and save us. This indiscriminating love has the power to transform our hands, words, and hearts into the words and actions of Jesus, offering hope and optimism for a world in need of love.
Gospel Challenge:
Love the least in the world with the most of your heart. No one we encounter is a nobody to Jesus. So, who needs your heart today? It may be someone you overlooked. However, remember that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is of value and worthy of our love and respect.
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Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
June 28, 2025, Matthew 8:5-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070123.cfm
Loving the Least with the Most.
We all have an alarm that goes off if someone is in a crisis. Think of the firefighters who run into a burning house to save someone, or the healthcare workers who sacrifice themselves for the good of others, especially during these challenging times. These are the everyday heroes we know who inspire us with their selfless acts of love and courage.
In the Gospel, we hear about a centurion, a Roman military officer, who would have been an example in the eyes of Jesus’ followers. He put his reputation on the line for an enslaved person. It’s important to note that Romans treated enslaved people worse than we treat animals. They could kill them without consequences. This centurion, however, saw the value of his servant, and his actions are a powerful example of love and compassion.
Jesus couldn’t help but see himself in the centurion. The distress of his servant was his distress. He treated him like his son. When we love others, especially those who have little or no worth in the eyes of the world, God’s heart melts to respond to all our needs.
With the heart of Christ, the centurion had no trouble believing that Jesus could heal his servant. He is a model of faith and love working together. St. James proclaims in his letter, “Show me your faith, and I will show you the work of charity that backs up my faith” (James 2:18).
God can’t help but respond to needs born in love for others. Genuine love for others is the backbone of faith that moves God’s heart to heal and save us. This indiscriminating love has the power to transform our hands, words, and hearts into the words and actions of Jesus, offering hope and optimism for a world in need of love.
Gospel Challenge:
Love the least in the world with the most of your heart. No one we encounter is a nobody to Jesus. So, who needs your heart today? It may be someone you overlooked. However, remember that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is of value and worthy of our love and respect.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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