Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 3rd Week in Lent

March 12, 2026, Luke 11:14-23
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm

The Finger of God?

“If it’s by the finger of God that I cast out demons…” I got a little chuckle when I thought
about this line. The first thing that came to mind was how hard it would be to open a jar
with just a finger. How could I grip it?
And yet, Jesus assures us that all He needs is His finger to dispel the power of Satan
from our lives. He didn’t have to endure His Passion, His scourging and carrying His
Cross. Nor did He have to die in the way He did. He gave His all on the Cross so, like
Him, we won’t withhold anything from him.
Trusting Jesus means giving him our whole selves rather than just part of ourselves.
Remember the rich man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. How
he walked away because he couldn’t surrender everything to Jesus.
“A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.” There is nothing in us, our past, or our
present that Jesus can’t handle with us. Do not be afraid to see what Jesus sees that
hardens our hearts from His love and mercy. Believe it! He is ready to free us from any
memories, sins, hurts that others have caused us – anything and everything.
Gospel Challenge:
Let’s follow Jeremiah’s call to walk away from the hardness in our hearts and listen to
the voice of the Lord. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. He can drive it
out with just His finger, but He did more. With His last breath, He prayed, “Father,
forgive them, they don’t know what they do. Into Your hands I commend my spirit.
May His peace rest in your hearts.
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com