Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 5th Week in Ordinary Time

February 11, 2025, Mark 7:1-13

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021125.cfm

Hand-Me-Downs

As I reflect on my own journey, I recall the excitement of wearing an old shirt my brother had outgrown. The pride I felt when I inherited his baseball glove, already broken in, was unmatched. These were more than just hand-me-downs; they were traditions passed down through generations, shaping our identity without us even realizing it.

For example, for the last 50 years, I have held the fork in my left- hand upside down and scooped food onto it instead of scooping with my right hand. I learned this behavior over the six years I spent in England. 

Traditions take a lot of work to break. They become so much a part of us that we do them unconsciously. In today’s gospel, the Pharisees saw Jesus’ disciples eat before washing their hands. Jesus called these behaviors human traditions. They were healthy hand-me-downs but not the most important. The leaders gave God lip service because they lacked heart.  

Our Catholic Faith is a tapestry woven with traditions that have been with us since the time of Jesus and the apostles. The worship of God in the Eucharist, one of our earliest traditions, holds a profound significance. Yet, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the profound meaning and value of celebrating the Mass with our parish family when the sacred liturgy becomes routine.

I find it easy to pray with my heart when I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of God. I feel the prayers rather than think them. Cherish the praise in your heart for a favor received. Embrace sadness and surrender it to the Lord, letting Him take care of everything. 

Gospel Challenge:
Hear Jesus speak to you the words in the readings and prayers at Mass. “The Word of the Lord, for you.” “This is my Body given up for you.” Let those words soak into your heart and mind all day. What is He saying? Is there a tradition you need to surrender to Him?

Reflect on these questions and consider how you can align your actions with the teachings of the Gospel in your daily life. 

Love Your Neighbor:

Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you.

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