We can certainly feel for Jesus, grieving after he heard about the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist. Like any of us, he needed time alone to let the dust settle, his thoughts and feelings for John – he needed time to let that happen. It’s amazing how the loss of a loved one can drain all our energy physically; emotionally, the shock can be unbearable.
So much for our plans – when the people see Jesus leaving in a boat, they skedaddle and beat him to the lake. When he sees 25 to 30,000 people coming to the lake, something bursts in his heart – a compassion that makes him forget his tired mind and body. He hauls in the anchor. Like a magnet, he’s drawn to them.
Did we ever think that people would put their need to be with Jesus before their hunger and personal wants? Can you see what that does to Jesus when he is in the boat, and the people want him more than anything else?
He not only meets our needs but answers them abundantly. When we seek Jesus before anything else, he gives us so much that we can’t help but share with others, even when it’s inconvenient for us, even when we must run around a lake to be with him. Like Jesus, our compassion for them bursts in our hearts too.
God takes our sacrifices and can’t help but multiply our acts of kindness to work marvels and wonders in others’ lives.
I kept thinking about these good people running around the lake to meet up with Jesus. They didn’t even consider the sacrifice or the inconvenience this would cause them. I must admit I’m a bit ashamed that I could make more sacrifices to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel more often than I do.
It’s going to take some pondering – how much do I want to be with Jesus?
October 14, 2026Luke 11:42-46https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101426.cfm One little decision can determine our destiny. “Woe to you, Pharisees!” Intoxicated drivers can cause significant harm to themselves and others.
October 13, 2026Luke 11:37-41https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101326.cfm Some Things We Can’t See Living in a parish with a school allows me to visit the children anytime. However, we
October 11, 2026 Matthew 22:1-14https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101126.cfm Silence – An Unrepentant Heart Our culture is consumed with appearance. Look at the commercials. If we focus only onthe
October 10, 2026 Luke 11:27-28https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101026.cfm Listen to the Word “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Childrensometimes follow a
Fr. Rick’s Homily: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 2, 2026
Matthew 14:13-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080226.cfm
When I Am Helpless
We can certainly feel for Jesus, grieving after he heard about the beheading of his
cousin, John the Baptist. Like any of us, he needed time alone to let the dust settle,
his thoughts and feelings for John – he needed time to let that happen. It’s amazing
how the loss of a loved one can drain all our energy physically; emotionally, the shock
can be unbearable.
So much for our plans – when the people see Jesus leaving in a boat, they skedaddle
and beat him to the lake. When he sees 25 to 30,000 people coming to the lake,
something bursts in his heart – a compassion that makes him forget his tired mind and
body. He hauls in the anchor. Like a magnet, he’s drawn to them.
Did we ever think that people would put their need to be with Jesus before their hunger
and personal wants? Can you see what that does to Jesus when he is in the boat, and
the people want him more than anything else?
He not only meets our needs but answers them abundantly. When we seek Jesus
before anything else, he gives us so much that we can’t help but share with others,
even when it’s inconvenient for us, even when we must run around a lake to be with
him. Like Jesus, our compassion for them bursts in our hearts too.
God takes our sacrifices and can’t help but multiply our acts of kindness to work
marvels and wonders in others’ lives.
I kept thinking about these good people running around the lake to meet up with Jesus.
They didn’t even consider the sacrifice or the inconvenience this would cause them.
I must admit I’m a bit ashamed that I could make more sacrifices to be with Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament in the chapel more often than I do.
It’s going to take some pondering – how much do I want to be with Jesus?
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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