Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday 5th Week in Easter 2022-05-18-2022

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051822.cfm

A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

We often see a contractor who didn’t complete his work on the news. Or a few months or a couple of years later, problems with their work or the material they used start surfacing. Some of these problems can be very expensive. We certainly would not refer that contractor to our family or friends. Jesus called this shady work fruitless.

Integrity is everything in running a business. Suppose a company loses its integrity; who will trust to hire them. Especially if the word gets out, it will take a long time for that company to become trustworthy.

Jesus has entrusted us with a gift worth more than all the houses in the world, and he invites us to remain in Him so that we can bear His fruit. It doesn’t take much to appreciate the fruit of Jesus at work in us. The fruits of Jesus’ Heart are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, chastity, and temperance. But, on the other hand, our human hearts without Jesus produce the seven deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.

If any of these deadly sins are a part of our lives, Jesus is ready and willing to do some pruning in the confessional. But please know that Jesus said we could do nothing without Him. We cannot live a life of virtue or heal the branch dying with sinful behaviors.

If we want integrity in a contractor we hire, how much more does Jesus want integrity in his followers? We can all bear good fruit. Read over today’s gospel, and let the words of Jesus speak to your heart. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 

“Jesus, I need to change the direction my life is headed. My heart is broken by many sins, and I confess them and ask for the grace of your absolution. Only your mercy can give me a new heart, your heart to love my family, church, and friends. I welcome you into my life.”

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC 

 www.bscchurch.com