Fr. Rick’s One Minute Homily for Thursday after Epiphany

January 8, 2026, Luke 4:14-22

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010826.cfm

New Year’s Resolutions – One To Keep.

Reflect on how your spiritual resolutions can become meaningful commitments that truly transform your relationship with God and keep you motivated throughout the year.

If dieting or exercise is your New Year’s resolution, what changes must you make to reach your goals?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus opens the Scriptures and reads a passage from Isaiah. It states the resolutions He made with the Father after His baptism, inspiring us to find purpose in our own commitments to God’s mission.

Jesus decided to let the Holy Spirit have His way with Him. He vowed to heal the sick, bring hope to captives, and care for the poor. The last one caught my attention: “Proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

What change is the Lord anointing us to make this new year acceptable to Him?

The key is to listen deeply to His direction. Listen with an open heart, and see your heart as a blank slate that He can write on as He pleases. When peace comes, know that it is what God can do with you. If something keeps coming to you, know it is a word of life from God. The lifestyle change is easy when Jesus does it with you. The goal is high, but the help is all-powerful, fostering trust and hope in God’s support.

Mother Mary said “Yes” to God through Angel Gabriel. St. Joseph said “Yes” and kept his family safe against a murderer. Their “Yes” changed the world.

Let the examples of Mary and Joseph inspire you to say ‘Yes’ to God’s call, making your resolution to proclaim an acceptable year to the Lord a personal commitment that shapes your faith journey.

This is a New Year’s resolution we can keep. Jesus promised, “Today, this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Listen to Jesus as he speaks His promise in your heart.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com