Have you ever had a day when everything went right? I imagine that if you did, it wasn’t very often. I am a member of the Institute of Charity, a religious order founded by Blessed Antonio Rosmini. During my novitiate, as part of my formation to become a member of the Order, I encountered a phrase from Blessed Rosmini that I always use: PPIs, Peculiar Penances of the Institute.
When something goes wrong, especially if I lose something, my first reaction is often, “Why did this have to happen?” or something like that. But then, PPI. Oh, I can offer this up as a penance for someone I am praying for who needs God’s intervention. Immediately, the frustration and all those horrible thoughts are gone.
I doubt anyone looks forward to paying taxes. Elected officials often propose measures that would raise taxes. Most of the time, people vote them down. The Pharisees challenged Jesus on whether Jews should pay taxes to Rome. He coined the familiar phrase, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God.”
I need to keep this simple. Everything changes when I offer my heart, soul, intellect, and will to God, allowing Him to do with me as He pleases. A brief prayer helps me reach that place of trust in my heart: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.” Now I rely on God to provide whatever I need.
When it comes to giving Caesar what belongs to him, it’s another PPI. We offer the taxes we pay as a prayer to God, asking for blessings on whoever we pray for that day. It is no longer about us and what we are losing. It’s about giving God our very being and receiving so much more than we pay in taxes.
Gospel Challenge:
Let’s start our day by giving God our very selves and everything that happens to us. When that PPI comes up, say in your heart, “Jesus, I trust in you.” Watch what He does.
October 17, 2026Luke 12:8-12https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101726.cfm The unforgivable sin. Blaspheming against the Holy Spirit is a sin that Jesus says could never beforgiven. However, sins against the Son
October 16 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101626.cfm The pressure of our culture Jesus assures us in John’s Gospel, “You will face trials in this world. But be strong,”
October 15, 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101526.cfm The most humbling thing we can discover is … Can you imagine how often the scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers heard 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.
Fr. Rick’s Homily: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 18, 2026,
Matthew 22:15-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101826.cfm
Taxes – A Sacrifice?
Have you ever had a day when everything went right? I imagine that if you
did, it wasn’t very often. I am a member of the Institute of Charity, a
religious order founded by Blessed Antonio Rosmini. During my novitiate,
as part of my formation to become a member of the Order, I encountered a
phrase from Blessed Rosmini that I always use: PPIs, Peculiar Penances
of the Institute.
When something goes wrong, especially if I lose something, my first
reaction is often, “Why did this have to happen?” or something like that. But
then, PPI. Oh, I can offer this up as a penance for someone I am praying
for who needs God’s intervention. Immediately, the frustration and all those
horrible thoughts are gone.
I doubt anyone looks forward to paying taxes. Elected officials often
propose measures that would raise taxes. Most of the time, people vote
them down. The Pharisees challenged Jesus on whether Jews should pay
taxes to Rome. He coined the familiar phrase, “Give to Caesar what
belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God.”
I need to keep this simple. Everything changes when I offer my heart, soul,
intellect, and will to God, allowing Him to do with me as He pleases. A brief
prayer helps me reach that place of trust in my heart: “O Jesus, I surrender
myself to you. Take care of everything.” Now I rely on God to provide
whatever I need.
When it comes to giving Caesar what belongs to him, it’s another PPI. We
offer the taxes we pay as a prayer to God, asking for blessings on whoever
we pray for that day. It is no longer about us and what we are losing. It’s
about giving God our very being and receiving so much more than we pay
in taxes.
Gospel Challenge:
Let’s start our day by giving God our very selves and everything that
happens to us. When that PPI comes up, say in your heart, “Jesus, I trust
in you.” Watch what He does.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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October 16 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101626.cfm The pressure of our culture Jesus assures us in John’s Gospel, “You will face trials in this world. But be strong,”
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October 15, 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101526.cfm The most humbling thing we can discover is … Can you imagine how often the scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers heard Jesus
Fr. Rick’s Reflection: Wednesday ~ 28th Week in Ordinary Time
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.
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