Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time     

September 27, 2025, Luke 9:42b-45

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092725.cfm 

No One Wants To Suffer, But.

We understand how we feel when someone close to us learns they need a biopsy for a spot that might be cancerous. How much we fear the potential suffering they must go through. And if it turns out to be cancer, how deeply we suffer with them during their surgery and chemotherapy.

Coming down the mountain after the Transfiguration, Jesus tells his three disciples that he will suffer, be crucified, and rise again. It’s tempting for us to focus on the excitement and hype of the Transfiguration. How wonderful it would be to stay on that mountain with Jesus. But they went down into the valley, and immediately Jesus healed a man possessed by a demon.

Jesus had to clarify to His disciples that His healing power was not magic but the outcome of much pain and suffering. Nevertheless, “It is by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus did not hesitate to demonstrate His greatest love for us through His Suffering and Passion.

He challenges us to carry our cross every day and show Him how much we love Him during difficult times. That cross, carried in love, brings healing and salvation to those in need of Jesus’ healing and compassion. We are His hands and heart for others.

Gospel Challenge: 

Is there a cross you are hesitant to pick up and carry? Pray with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, “Lord, let this cup pass me by, but let not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.   

frrick@bscchurch.com