Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time

October 24, 2024, Luke 12: 49-53

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102424.cfm

Find a friend in Jesus. 

I moved to Florida in 1995. It’s great to play golf and enjoy the outdoors year-round, but I must admit that I miss the changing of seasons. Change is something that any of us sometimes have difficulty managing. There can be resistance when the Lord touches our hearts enough to want Him and His desires more than our own. Nothing can compare to a close relationship with Jesus.

Family and friends experience a similar division when one person comes to Christ, and the family member has no experience of His mercy. When St. Luke wrote his gospel, Jewish synagogues expelled followers of Jesus from their services. The prayers and religious practices used to unite the family became a cause of the division.

We know within our own families and extended families, there are children who no longer practice their Catholic faith and children who don’t have their children baptized. Others come along wanting their children baptized but have no intention of raising them Catholic, faithful to celebrate the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day.

Let us hold firm to our faith in the face of such opposition. In the words of St. Pope John Paul II, “Do not be afraid.” Let us extend the merciful love of the Lord Jesus, the only fire to win over an unbelieving heart.

Gospel Challenge:

The challenge for all of us is to seek out people who have a strong faith and are happy and willing to share their relationship with the Lord. I have seen too many people on fire Jesus talks about in the gospel and slowly go out because faith in Jesus is relational. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs and told us I am with you when two or more are gathered in my name.”

Find a friend in Jesus. Be a friend to Jesus.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.  

www.bscchurch.com