Some experiences stay with you forever. I had one such moment in the seminary with a professor, Fr. Eric Doyle. He called me into his office for a final oral exam on the doctrine of grace. I sat in a chair facing him. He held my hands and looked into my eyes. He said, “Rick, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is of supereminent importance.” Then he added, “Rick, everything is grace.” That was our final exam.
As I reflected on today’s gospel, the Parable of the Sower, I thought back to this experience. We’re like the ground where our Father sows His seed, which is the Word, Jesus. This relationship we have with the Lord is His doing, not ours. The ground, even if it’s fertile, can’t do anything on its own – it’s just there.
But consider what happens when the Father brings His Son into a relationship with us. The results are outstanding after the growth period, when we are weeded, watered, and nourished. What a blessing it is to be the fertile ground He chooses.
Even if we feel like we’re on shaky ground or like thorns are blocking our way, remember that beneath all the chaos, there is fertile ground. The Lord’s discipline truly is the saving power of Jesus. He comes with the Cross as a plow, uprooting everything that hinders His love for us. If we face that Cross, don’t try to resist it. Embrace it with courage and hope.
Gospel Challenge:
Take heart. Embrace it with love. The Sower will allow His Son to suffer alongside us until He finds the fertile ground. Then, we’ll instinctively recognize He’s with us in every moment, and every moment is a gift, even the breath we take.
March 9, 2026, Luke 4:24-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm Homecoming. When I returned home from my studies in England, my family warmly greeted me at the airport terminal.
March 7, 2026, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030726.cfm Home at Last. How heart-wrenching it is to stray from our Father’s loving embrace. Like the younger son
March 6, 2026, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030626.cfm Someone is Missing. Mother Teresa recounts a story about a young drug addict she and her sisters met
March 20, 2025, Luke 16:19-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030526.cfm One Small Step. One Giant Leap. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time
September 20, 2025, Luke 8:4-15
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092025.cfm
Everything is Grace
Some experiences stay with you forever. I had one such moment in the seminary with a professor, Fr. Eric Doyle. He called me into his office for a final oral exam on the doctrine of grace. I sat in a chair facing him. He held my hands and looked into my eyes. He said, “Rick, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is of supereminent importance.” Then he added, “Rick, everything is grace.” That was our final exam.
As I reflected on today’s gospel, the Parable of the Sower, I thought back to this experience. We’re like the ground where our Father sows His seed, which is the Word, Jesus. This relationship we have with the Lord is His doing, not ours. The ground, even if it’s fertile, can’t do anything on its own – it’s just there.
But consider what happens when the Father brings His Son into a relationship with us. The results are outstanding after the growth period, when we are weeded, watered, and nourished. What a blessing it is to be the fertile ground He chooses.
Even if we feel like we’re on shaky ground or like thorns are blocking our way, remember that beneath all the chaos, there is fertile ground. The Lord’s discipline truly is the saving power of Jesus. He comes with the Cross as a plow, uprooting everything that hinders His love for us. If we face that Cross, don’t try to resist it. Embrace it with courage and hope.
Gospel Challenge:
Take heart. Embrace it with love. The Sower will allow His Son to suffer alongside us until He finds the fertile ground. Then, we’ll instinctively recognize He’s with us in every moment, and every moment is a gift, even the breath we take.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
frrick@bscchurch.com
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