Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 6th Week in Ordinary Time

February 20, 2025, Mark 8:27-33

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022025.cfm

A Moment That Lasts A Lifetime

 Two distinct memories have profoundly influenced my relationship with Jesus and my ministry as a priest. Both were moments of profound reflection, occurring when the Bishop installed me as pastor in Sacred Heart Church, Bradenton, FL, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole, FL.  

First, I felt a warm light in the center of my chest during the installation prayer. Then, it expanded throughout my body as a tingling started at the top of my head and went down to my toes. These sensations were only a manifestation of the Presence of Christ I was becoming for His People. 

I thought this must be similar to what Peter experienced when he declared to Jesus, “You are the Christ.” Like me, Peter had to grow into the Presence of Jesus as he let go more of himself and embraced Jesus. “You are the Christ,” the only One who can love me enough into eternity. Jesus sacrificed everything for us to know Him as He is, the Son of God, the Lord of our lives so that we can live in His abundance. 

Gospel Challenge:
When you declare Jesus as your Christ, you honor and trust Him with everything in your human and eternal life. You can live with all the human ability you can muster up. Or you can live your days in the expanding grace Jesus pours into your experiences.

This is the Gospel Challenge I present to you today: to fully trust in Jesus, to surrender your life to His grace, and to live in the abundance of His love. “Who do you say I am?” I pray your answer to Jesus will last a lifetime as it did for Peter.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com