How big can Jesus make our hearts? His love has the power to transform even those who have left the practice of their faith and perhaps joined another church that is not Catholic. His love can fill the monumental void in our hearts, bringing hope and inspiration.
Our Catholic faith isn’t a contest. It’s a beautiful expression of openness and willingness to accept and embrace people where they are in life and their faith. This non-competitive nature of our faith makes everyone feel accepted and valued, just as Jesus did in the Gospels and the disciples did in the first generation of our faith.
The apostles encountered people who were not Jewish. A Jew could not even speak to a Gentile. The apostles remembered how Jesus cured the Roman centurion’s son and asked the Samaritan woman to drink water from her well.
Jesus is the Vine, but he is also the entire plant. At the first Council of Jerusalem, the apostles left judgment aside. They received a new commandment from Jesus: love as He loved them. Then, it became much easier to welcome Gentiles to the Lord’s Table after they put people before stuff (the century held hatred for Gentiles based on the Mosaic Law).
We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Each branch of the Vine penetrates every part of it. The time will come when all Christians can eat and drink from our table. The Lord alone knows that date.
Gospel Challenge:
Until then, our responsibility is to mature in our love for Christ Jesus as he reaches out through us and embraces the people we meet every day.
Do not be surprised when Jesus reaches out and touches someone you find different or difficult. Who might that person be? Someone who no longer eats and drinks with us? Pray for them and for yourself to be a loving presence of Christ to all.
March 22, 2025, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032225.cfm Home at Last. How heart-wrenching it is to stray from our Father’s loving embrace. Like the younger son
December 13, 2025, Matthew 11: 16- 19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121324.cfm “We played the flute for you. We sang a dirge for you.” Who is playing and singing
DECEMBER 11, 2023, Matthew 11:11-15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm VIOLENCE – IS THERE ANOTHER WAY? Isn’t it true that many people in America wonder when the violence will
December 13, 2027, 2023 Matthew 11:28-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm It is God’s mercy that moves a person to acts of compassion. People with the world in their
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday, 5th Week in Easter
May 20, 2025, Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6, John 15:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052125.cfm
Big Hearts
How big can Jesus make our hearts? His love has the power to transform even those who have left the practice of their faith and perhaps joined another church that is not Catholic. His love can fill the monumental void in our hearts, bringing hope and inspiration.
Our Catholic faith isn’t a contest. It’s a beautiful expression of openness and willingness to accept and embrace people where they are in life and their faith. This non-competitive nature of our faith makes everyone feel accepted and valued, just as Jesus did in the Gospels and the disciples did in the first generation of our faith.
The apostles encountered people who were not Jewish. A Jew could not even speak to a Gentile. The apostles remembered how Jesus cured the Roman centurion’s son and asked the Samaritan woman to drink water from her well.
Jesus is the Vine, but he is also the entire plant. At the first Council of Jerusalem, the apostles left judgment aside. They received a new commandment from Jesus: love as He loved them. Then, it became much easier to welcome Gentiles to the Lord’s Table after they put people before stuff (the century held hatred for Gentiles based on the Mosaic Law).
We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Each branch of the Vine penetrates every part of it. The time will come when all Christians can eat and drink from our table. The Lord alone knows that date.
Gospel Challenge:
Until then, our responsibility is to mature in our love for Christ Jesus as he reaches out through us and embraces the people we meet every day.
Do not be surprised when Jesus reaches out and touches someone you find different or difficult. Who might that person be? Someone who no longer eats and drinks with us? Pray for them and for yourself to be a loving presence of Christ to all.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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