Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 7th Week in Easter

May 19, 2026, John 17:1-11a https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051926.cfm

Endure

Hearing Confessions is truly a special privilege and a pure grace. It’s a heartfelt moment when people open their hearts to Jesus through their priest, often sharing their struggles with faith. I always think of Jesus’ comforting words in today’s gospel, “I pray for them.”

I cherish the memory of Jesus sharing with his disciples during the Last Supper, saying, “If they persecuted me, they would also persecute you” (John 15:18). Though it might seem unusual, it’s actually a comforting reminder! We are in the world, with Jesus living so fully in us that it sometimes draws the world’s disdain.

Imagine Jesus prostrate on the ground, praying to His Heavenly Father for each person struggling with their faith as they confess their sins. The Sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, are powerful ways in which Jesus continues to pray for us and to strengthen our faith. His prayers are powerful and effective. Isn’t our faith in Jesus and the Sacraments amazing?

I think of St. Paul, who carried his own cross. He said, “I am going to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit and not knowing what will happen to me there. I do not know, except that the Holy Spirit has warned me … that chains and hardships await me.” It’s comforting to remember that the Holy Spirit guides us, even when we’re uncertain about what lies ahead.

My dear friends, it’s important to remember that our Catholic faith is facing challenges worldwide. Our brothers and sisters are showing incredible courage in the face of persecution, and many are sacrificing so much. Meanwhile, the values of the world are influencing people’s hearts, leading some to drift away from consistently practicing their faith. It’s also a reminder that some parents are finding it difficult to pass on the richness of the Catholic Faith to their children through regular participation in the Sacraments. Let’s come together in faith and support each other through these times.

Gospel Challenge:

Go before the Blessed Sacrament, watching Jesus pray for everyone the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Trust that Jesus is praying for those individuals through you. Then gently

tell Him, “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.” Rest assured, He will.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  www.bscchurch.com   www.rosminians.com   

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