Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time

September 16, 2025, Luke 7:11-17

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091625.cfm

“I Command You; Get Up!” 

My heart goes out to parents who have lost a child. The pain feels endless. We may know friends who seem lifeless due to despair or a lack of meaning. Reaching out and failing leaves our hearts empty. 

 This is Jesus’ world. Our emptiness opens a door to His compassion for others. Jesus touched the widow’s son’s coffin—taboo in His culture. The act made Him unclean, but He did it anyway.  

 Perhaps we must ask Him for deep compassion, so Jesus will reach through us and tell those in our hearts, “Rise! Get up!”  

Don’t fear your helplessness to help someone. Don’t give up. Sometimes, we must suffer with others and feel their pain deeply. Jesus responds to such love—He sees Himself in us. Sometimes, we must help carry their cross partway up Calvary.

Gospel Challenge:  
Have courage, my friend. Suffering with others precedes healing. Who will we show compassion to today so they may hear Jesus say, “I command you; get up!” This is our hope, a promise yet to be fully realized.

Love Your Neighbor!  

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.  
frrick@bscchurch.com