Fr. Rick’s Homily: Tuesday 16th Week in Ordinary Time

July 21, 2026
Matthew 12:46-50
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072126.cfm

A Second Mom!

When I was a little kid, I would hang out with the couple who had no children. She
became like a second mother to me. Georgie and Charlie were strong Christians who
were faithful to their church. Fast forward 20 years. I was visiting my parents on
vacation from my studies in England.

I met with Georgie during that visit, and she proposed a question. “It says in the Bible
that Jesus had brothers and sisters. So, if he had brothers, how can Mary be a virgin?” I
told her the Aramaic language that Jesus spoke was minimal. For example, they didn’t
have a word for fingers, so they spoke of the hand. Also, they didn’t have a word for
cousins, so everyone called them brothers and sisters.

Jesus knew how much Mother Mary loved Him, so He gave His Mother to John, the
apostle, and to us on the Cross before He died. I have grown to love Mother Mary with
all my heart and trust that every prayer I pray for someone, she will take to her Son and
fill us all with the fullness of His grace. Jesus can give no less, especially when his
mother asks Him. Please see the Wedding in Cana, John 2:1-12.

Gospel Challenge:

I have always loved my mother, Mary, but she became a real person to me when I made
my consecration to her many years ago. So, suppose you haven’t had the opportunity to
make that consecration to her. In that case, I encourage you to get 33 Days to Morning
Glory – A DO-It Yourself Retreat by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC. It takes only a few
minutes each day. I pray Mother Mary becomes as real to you as she has me. Unlike
what we hear in today’s gospel, she’s no longer outside but very much a part of our
lives.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message