Bad habits are easy to develop and tough to break. One day, I can go out and have a great game of golf when everything is clicking, and the next time I go out, I might wonder what went wrong with my swing. If this keeps happening, it’s a good idea to see the pro to show me what I’m doing wrong. It’s incredible how just a slight adjustment can make a huge difference.
We can fall into slumps with God just as quickly as in a sport. John the Baptist can be our pro in our walk with Jesus. His intentional fasting in the desert shows us how dedication can inspire us to deepen our faith and seek God more intentionally. Cravings for things turned into cravings for God. And did God ever satisfy those cravings? His example encourages us that spiritual discipline can lead to fulfillment and hope.
God makes fasting easier for us. When I started dieting, I craved foods that weren’t on my plan. After two weeks, those cravings disappeared, and I realized I was eating to feel full rather than for flavor. It has stuck with me. Believe it or not, those crinkly French fries no longer look appealing. This shows that with God’s help, our sacrifices can become easier and more meaningful, empowering us to make spiritual changes.
John the Baptist’s fasting had a significant impact on people of his time and continues to do so today. John grew closer to the Lord and led thousands of people to him. People saw and heard John the Baptist, but they encountered Jesus in everything he did. I wonder whether the people John baptized followed his example and drew nearer to God.
Reflect on whether we ask ourselves, “What specific personal sacrifices can I make, like prayer, service, or giving, to deepen my relationship with God?” This question can inspire us to consider how our actions directly strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Him.
Gospel Challenge: What will I do when I get home from Mass today? Continue the same old routine? Or will something be different with God?
March 16, 2026, John 4:43-54 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031626.cfm No More Dog Days with Jesus Growing up, I loved to fish with my Dad. What mattered most to
March 8, 2026, John 4:5-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm Jesus, talk to Me. Don’t Make Me Laugh. Imagine this woman approaching Jacob’s well. She has heard of Jesus
March 14, 2026, Luke 18 9-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031426.cfm Seal the Deal? In 1981, I visited Father Gordon at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seminole during my first
March 13, 2026, Mark 12:28-34https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031326.cf Don’t ask any more questions. Recall a moment when your heart feltoverwhelmed, almost to bursting.You couldn’t handle any more.Perhaps it was
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 2nd Sunday in Advent A
December 7, 2025, Matthew 3:1-12
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm
John the Baptist Is a Great Witness
Bad habits are easy to develop and tough to break. One day, I can go out and have a great game of golf when everything is clicking, and the next time I go out, I might wonder what went wrong with my swing. If this keeps happening, it’s a good idea to see the pro to show me what I’m doing wrong. It’s incredible how just a slight adjustment can make a huge difference.
We can fall into slumps with God just as quickly as in a sport. John the Baptist can be our pro in our walk with Jesus. His intentional fasting in the desert shows us how dedication can inspire us to deepen our faith and seek God more intentionally. Cravings for things turned into cravings for God. And did God ever satisfy those cravings? His example encourages us that spiritual discipline can lead to fulfillment and hope.
God makes fasting easier for us. When I started dieting, I craved foods that weren’t on my plan. After two weeks, those cravings disappeared, and I realized I was eating to feel full rather than for flavor. It has stuck with me. Believe it or not, those crinkly French fries no longer look appealing. This shows that with God’s help, our sacrifices can become easier and more meaningful, empowering us to make spiritual changes.
John the Baptist’s fasting had a significant impact on people of his time and continues to do so today. John grew closer to the Lord and led thousands of people to him. People saw and heard John the Baptist, but they encountered Jesus in everything he did. I wonder whether the people John baptized followed his example and drew nearer to God.
Reflect on whether we ask ourselves, “What specific personal sacrifices can I make, like prayer, service, or giving, to deepen my relationship with God?” This question can inspire us to consider how our actions directly strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Him.
Gospel Challenge:
What will I do when I get home from Mass today? Continue the same old routine? Or will something be different with God?
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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