Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time

October 30, 2025, Luke 13: 31-35

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm

Worn out but ready to go. 

Vacations are great and so much needed. Some last several weeks, others just a few days. Imagine having a vision that will bring peace to the hearts of all people. However, everywhere you turn, though, there is opposition.  

Jesus faced a constant thorn in His Flesh through every rejection, and this challenge existed long before He died. Did it deter Him from His mission? Did it cause Him to surrender and join the crowd? NO! Instead, it strengthened Jesus’s resolve to endure suffering and sacrifice His life so that others could live and die as He did, for the benefit of all.

St. Luke purposely followed Jesus’ struggle with opposition, weeping over Jerusalem. Jerusalem is us, the Church, each one of us. All the problems Jesus faced never led Him to put others aside, and His heart was like a mother hen gathering her brood under her wings.

The Gospel Challenge: 
The Gospel Challenge is a call to action, a reminder that our faith will be tested. Still, we should not be afraid when others disagree with us and even harass us because we stand with Jesus. Opposition is everywhere in American society. If society didn’t oppose us, we might doubt whether we are indeed disciples of Jesus.

Maybe a family member, a friend, or a co-worker questions your faith in Jesus and His Church. Renounce any bitterness you may have for them and unite your suffering with Jesus. Ask Jesus to gather your opposers under the wings of His protection. Please, God, your cross with Jesus will open their hearts to His mercy.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C. 
www.bscchurch.com