Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 5th Week in Easter

May 7, 2026, John 15:9-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050726.cfm

An Incredible Love

God is always present in our lives, regardless of how tragic an experience may be; His presence never wavers. When I read, “As the father loves me, so I have loved you,” the first thought that came to mind was the deep sorrow a parent experiences when they lose a child.

Jesus knew the agony He would endure and the painful death He would face to love us beyond our sins. How much more did God the Father grieve over His Beloved Son’s suffering and death than any human parent grieves when they lose a child?

Our Heavenly Father’s immense love for us is shown in His allowing Jesus to endure a cruel death to rescue us from our sins. His permission for Jesus to suffer was rooted in the promise of something greater: His resurrection and triumph over sin and death. Jesus’ prayer from the Cross, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing,’ reveals God’s deep love for us. This act of mercy serves as a strong reminder of the comfort we experience when we are forgiven.

Our love as humans has its limits; we can only love so much before it becomes too burdensome. When someone’s offenses or injustices become intolerable, we might resort to legal action or detach from our feelings. Conversely, divine love persists in forgiving and making allowances, even when we’re deeply hurt. It is a compassionate and forgiving love that Jesus urges us to embody by showing mercy to every member of His Body and to all people.

Gospel Challenge:

This is a profound commandment: to love others despite their sins against us. It’s a significant challenge that Jesus calls us to and empowers us to stay in His love, no matter what occurs. In Jesus’s presence, let’s choose not to let anything separate us from Him or anyone He wants to love through us.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  www.bscchurch.com     www.rosminians.com