Fr. Rick’s Homily: Friday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time

October 23, 2026
Luke 12:54-59
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102326.cfm

Interpret the Times

Jesus says in the gospel that we know how to interpret the weather, but we don’t know
how to interpret the present time.

In my years of experience as a spiritual director, regular confession is essential for
building a personal relationship with Jesus. I always advise penitents to attend
confession at least every four to six weeks. Of course, more frequent confession would
be even better.
  
Today, psychologists say it takes six weeks for a behavior pattern to become instinctive.
When this happens, we no longer need to think about whether something is wrong; we
just do it. That sinful pattern becomes second nature. It’s like stopping at a red light— I
do it automatically.

Jesus reminds us that while we can often predict the weather, understanding our current
moment’s significance is harder. He urges us to see the present as reflecting our soul’s
state before God—a moment He observes with love and longs to forgive, especially in
His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. 

Let’s not be afraid to admit our sinfulness. In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul says that
we do not do the good we want to do but the evil we do not want. Take a quiet moment
with Jesus and surrender to him in that struggle. 

He doesn’t want us to pay for the consequences of our sinful choices. He already has! 

Gospel Challenge:
Reflect more deeply on making that good confession, where we celebrate Jesus’s death
and resurrection anew, and His victory over sin. 

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com