Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday – 02-29-2022

Tuesday 8^th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Luke 10:28-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030122.cfm   

GIVING UP EVERYTHING vs. ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH

Russia invaded Ukraine just four days ago. So it wasn’t much of a surprise after Putin built up his army at the Ukraine border. But, like wealth, a person can never have enough power. Venezuela has experienced the dictatorship of Maduro. Members of our religious order are barely getting by. Children are being fed, and medicines are getting to the sick, thanks to the generosity of our Ascribed Members and the people of our parish. A dictator has no conscience when it comes to hurting humanity. All bets are off.

St. Augustin said in the fourth century, “Our hearts are restless, O God until they rest in you.” The keyword here is “rest.”  If Putin takes Ukraine, there is fear that he won’t stop there. There is no “rest” in the man’s heart. 

What about our hearts? Where do we find “rest?” Jesus gives us a hint. Peter asked, “What about us? We gave up everything to follow you. Jesus promises anyone who gives up everything will receive a hundred times more in this present age and life eternal. 

We can’t all give up everything and take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. But along the way, we can make little sacrifices, as we do during Lent. One sacrifice that we run into a lot of the time is submitting to the way someone wants to do something. We don’t always have to insist on our way of doing things. At the time, it feels like we are giving up everything. It will take some listening with an open heart. I am amazed at what I learn when I listen and make adjustments. It’s no big deal when power isn’t behind my decisions. 

A trigger word I use for these occasions is “serve.” I ask the question, “How can I serve you?” When we give up everything, that is all we want to do.

IGNITE THE FIRE

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com