Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 6th Week in Easter  

May 12, 2026, John 16:5-11 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051226.cfm

“Grief Has Filled Your Hearts.”

Sometimes out of the blue, we bring to mind a moment when we lost a family member
or a dear friend. The grief that fills our hearts in those moments can feel overwhelming,
but faith offers us comfort and hope. In his final moments with the disciples, Jesus
spoke of his approaching departure, reminding us that even in loss, God’s presence
remains.
If I had been there, I would have remembered the three times he predicted His
agonizing death. The gravity of this news would have been overwhelming, bringing life
to a halt. 
Jesus promised to return and send His Holy Spirit as our constant guide. I witnessed
this promise come alive during a moment of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament,
especially while grieving the loss of my family members. In an instant, I felt their
presence in my heart — a truly amazing experience that reassures us of God’s ongoing
presence.  
Then I understood how this happened. It goes like this: In the Eucharistic Prayer at
Mass, the priest, with his hands over the bread and wine, prays, “Send your Holy Spirit
upon these gifts to make them holy, that they may become for us the Body and Blood of
our Lord Jesus Christ.” At consecration, these elements transform into Jesus’ Body and
Blood. 
St. Paul teaches us that the Church is the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is in
heaven, including my family and yours. In Holy Communion, the priest or minister
holding up Jesus says, “The Body of Christ.” We respond, “Amen.” At that moment, we
are united with everyone in heaven, including our parents, relatives, and friends,
fostering a sense of closeness and love.  
At that moment in the chapel, I understood that the Body of Christ, Jesus, the Head,
and all the Church members reside in my soul. How amazing is Jesus! He comes to us
again in Holy Communion, bringing all our loved ones with Him. They remain with us,
and I believe they intercede for us in everything we do, all day long, helping us feel their
presence and find hope amid our moments of grief.  
 
When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I aim to be free from sin, worthy of Jesus,
my Mom and Dad, and all my relatives and friends. It is an act of love and gratitude for
everything they have done, and for everything they mean to me. Regular Confession

and Holy Communion help us deepen our faith and love for others, especially when we
are grieving or seeking reassurance.  
Gospel Challenge: 
When you receive Jesus and your family and friends in Holy Communion, thank Jesus. I
assure you, they are nearer to you and me in Holy Communion than during all their
moments on this earth. 
Love One Another!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC   
www.bscchurch.com     
www.rosminians.com