Have you ever approached a stop sign and just rolled through it? We do it so easily. One time, I approached a red light to make a right turn. Yes, I didn’t come to a complete stop. Wouldn’t you know, a police officer in an unmarked car pulled me over and issued me a ticket. Guess what? Now I always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
It’s easy to think I am better than someone who doesn’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign. That’s the attitude the Pharisees had toward Jesus and the disciples in today’s gospel. Instead of condemning Jesus and the disciples, they could have politely asked why the disciples had done something forbidden on the Sabbath.
We tend to argue quickly when we start on the wrong foot with someone. It’s about who’s right and who’s wrong; guess who’s usually wrong? We’ve already made up our minds. If we’re not careful, we can carry that critical attitude all day. It’s easy to blow things out of proportion in that mindset.
It’s similar to watching someone run a stop sign. When we criticize an action, we often also criticize the person who did it.
Gospel Challenge: Jesus encourages us to look beyond a person’s actions to understand their true intentions. When we’re unsure of their motives or circumstances, it’s better to give them the benefit of the doubt. This way, we can go about our day with a calm mind and a peaceful heart.
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: Saturday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
September 5, 2026
Luke 6:1-5
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090526.cfm
Do I have to stop?
Have you ever approached a stop sign and just rolled through it? We do it so easily.
One time, I approached a red light to make a right turn. Yes, I didn’t come to a complete
stop. Wouldn’t you know, a police officer in an unmarked car pulled me over and issued
me a ticket. Guess what? Now I always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red
lights.
It’s easy to think I am better than someone who doesn’t come to a complete stop at a
stop sign. That’s the attitude the Pharisees had toward Jesus and the disciples in
today’s gospel. Instead of condemning Jesus and the disciples, they could have politely
asked why the disciples had done something forbidden on the Sabbath.
We tend to argue quickly when we start on the wrong foot with someone. It’s about
who’s right and who’s wrong; guess who’s usually wrong? We’ve already made up our
minds. If we’re not careful, we can carry that critical attitude all day. It’s easy to blow
things out of proportion in that mindset.
It’s similar to watching someone run a stop sign. When we criticize an action, we often
also criticize the person who did it.
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus encourages us to look beyond a person’s actions to understand their true
intentions. When we’re unsure of their motives or circumstances, it’s better to give them
the benefit of the doubt. This way, we can go about our day with a calm mind and a
peaceful heart.
Peace be with you.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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