Something I always do when I am home on vacation is spend a few moments with my loved ones who have died. I notice a sense of reverence overcomes me when driving to the cemetery. It is a solemn moment standing over the grave of Mom and Dad, my brother-in-law, Tom, and my nephew, Craig, my cousin Fr. Dick, and relatives. All time stops. Loving memories of each of them flood my mind and heart.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene. Facing her fears of life without Jesus, she went to His tomb, much as we would after someone we loved died. We all have graves inside of us that we need to visit. Those tombs are filled with the death of our relationships with family or friends that were never reconciled. The tomb may be filled with fears of facing the truth about us. It was easier at the moment to bury them than face them.
Do not be afraid, my friends, whatever we buried in the past. When we peer into those tombs with Mary Magdalene, Jesus will be with us. She didn’t know it was Jesus at first but finally recognized Him when He called out her name, “Mary.”
We don’t have to analyze what happened or what we or someone did or didn’t do. Judging and blaming will get us deeper into the grave. However, something freeing happens when we witness the event with Jesus at our side.
Our Lord asks us, “Why are you weeping?” We see ourselves and others objectively as He sees us by observing, watching a past event without thinking or emotion. We soon recognize the face of Jesus in the one who grieved us. As a result, something extraordinary happens to us. Healing replaces pain and sadness without effort. Try it. The Lord is with you.
Gospel Challenge:
Hear Jesus call out your name and leave that grave forever.
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene July 22, 2023
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
July 22, 2023, John 20:1-2, 11-18
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072223.cfm
Go to the Tomb.
Something I always do when I am home on vacation is spend a few moments with my loved ones who have died. I notice a sense of reverence overcomes me when driving to the cemetery. It is a solemn moment standing over the grave of Mom and Dad, my brother-in-law, Tom, and my nephew, Craig, my cousin Fr. Dick, and relatives. All time stops. Loving memories of each of them flood my mind and heart.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene. Facing her fears of life without Jesus, she went to His tomb, much as we would after someone we loved died. We all have graves inside of us that we need to visit. Those tombs are filled with the death of our relationships with family or friends that were never reconciled. The tomb may be filled with fears of facing the truth about us. It was easier at the moment to bury them than face them.
Do not be afraid, my friends, whatever we buried in the past. When we peer into those tombs with Mary Magdalene, Jesus will be with us. She didn’t know it was Jesus at first but finally recognized Him when He called out her name, “Mary.”
We don’t have to analyze what happened or what we or someone did or didn’t do. Judging and blaming will get us deeper into the grave. However, something freeing happens when we witness the event with Jesus at our side.
Our Lord asks us, “Why are you weeping?” We see ourselves and others objectively as He sees us by observing, watching a past event without thinking or emotion. We soon recognize the face of Jesus in the one who grieved us. As a result, something extraordinary happens to us. Healing replaces pain and sadness without effort. Try it. The Lord is with you.
Gospel Challenge:
Hear Jesus call out your name and leave that grave forever.
Ignite the Fire
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Wednesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Reflection for Monday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Categories
Send Us A Message