Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily ~ Saturday 12th Week in Ordinary Time

June 28, 2025, Matthew 8:5-17

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062726.cfm

Loving the Least with the Most.

We all have an alarm that goes off when someone is in crisis. Think of the firefighters
who run into a burning house to save someone, or the healthcare workers who sacrifice
themselves for the greater good, especially during these challenging times. These are
the everyday heroes we know who inspire us with their selfless acts of love and
courage.

In the Gospel, we hear about a centurion, a Roman military officer, who would have
been an example to Jesus’ followers. He put his reputation on the line for an enslaved
person. It’s important to note that Romans treated enslaved people worse than we treat
animals, and they could kill them without consequence. This centurion, however, saw
the value of his servant, and his actions are a powerful example of love and
compassion.  
 
Jesus couldn’t help but see himself in the centurion. The distress of his servant was his
distress. He treated him like his son. When we love others, especially those who have
little or no worth in the eyes of the world, God’s heart melts, and God responds to all our
needs.  
 
With Christ’s heart as the focus, the centurion readily believed in Jesus’s ability to heal
his servant. He exemplifies a harmony of faith and love. St. James states in his letter,
“Show me your faith, and I will show you the work of charity that backs up my faith”
(James 2:18).   
 


God can’t help but respond to needs born of love for others. Genuine love for others is
the backbone of faith, moving God’s heart to heal and save us. This indiscriminate love
has the power to transform our hands, words, and hearts into the words and actions of
Jesus, offering hope and optimism to a world in need of love. “Very truly I tell you,
whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even
greater things than these” (John 14:12).



Gospel Challenge: 

Love the least in the world with the most of your heart. No one we encounter is a
nobody to Jesus. So, who needs your heart today? It may be someone you overlooked.
Remember that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is valuable and
worthy of our love and respect.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC   
                                                           
www.bscchurch.com
https://www.rosminians.com