If anyone asks us, “Are you ready for Christmas? The first things that come to mind are shopping, baking, trees, and decorations. That is pretty normal, but we are here with Jesus and our faith family because we know that Christmas is more than lights and presents. Don’t mistake me; we need those to express what is inside us: a love for God in His Son, born of Mary.
He comes into our lives personally as He did in His Mother – quietly, peacefully, and humbly, not to scare us, but to shake us. Think of how John the Baptist said Jesus would come with the Holy Spirit and fire. That’s how He came to the Apostles on the first Pentecost. It wasn’t a fire that scared them but freed them. Remember, they were afraid, shaking in their boots, that they might be found out to be disciples of Jesus before He came on them like tongues of fire,
This Holy Fire in the Heart of our Savior burns ever so gently, calling us to repentance and belief in the Gospel, giving us hope and healthy relationships beyond our sins. It’s a gentle fire of justice that gives God and others what is their due, allos to experience a fullness only God can give.
It’s a fire that knows with certainty that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and can only give us what is good when we ask Him. It’s a fire that shares a coat with someone who has none. And it’s a fire in us to not cheat people like the tax collectors in the Gospel who collected more than what was required.
This is how we pick up the baby Jesus who comes to us in people who need food, mercy, justice, and many other things. But God, in His kindness, beckons us only to meet one need at a time, as it is presented to us by the providence of our Heavenly Father. Never be afraid of picking up the baby Jesus in a brother or sister and holding Him close to your heart. I am grateful that hundreds of people are enjoying a Christmas they would not have, but for your big hearts.
September 14, 2025, John 3:13-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm Don’t Be Afraid of the Sting In every Catholic Church and Chapel around the world, we celebrate today an
September 13, 2025, Luke 6:43-49 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm Deep Roots I know a friend whose neighbor’s tree fell on her house during a tropical storm. It was
September 12, 2025, Luke 6:49-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm Humility And Mercy “When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” This is the grace of God,
September 11, 2025, Luke 6:27-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091125.cfm Keeping Your Honor Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can make us feel disconnected from
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for 3rd Sunday of Advent C
December 15, 2024, Luke 3:10-18
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm
Are You Ready for Christmas?
If anyone asks us, “Are you ready for Christmas? The first things that come to mind are shopping, baking, trees, and decorations. That is pretty normal, but we are here with Jesus and our faith family because we know that Christmas is more than lights and presents. Don’t mistake me; we need those to express what is inside us: a love for God in His Son, born of Mary.
He comes into our lives personally as He did in His Mother – quietly, peacefully, and humbly, not to scare us, but to shake us. Think of how John the Baptist said Jesus would come with the Holy Spirit and fire. That’s how He came to the Apostles on the first Pentecost. It wasn’t a fire that scared them but freed them. Remember, they were afraid, shaking in their boots, that they might be found out to be disciples of Jesus before He came on them like tongues of fire,
This Holy Fire in the Heart of our Savior burns ever so gently, calling us to repentance and belief in the Gospel, giving us hope and healthy relationships beyond our sins. It’s a gentle fire of justice that gives God and others what is their due, allos to experience a fullness only God can give.
It’s a fire that knows with certainty that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and can only give us what is good when we ask Him. It’s a fire that shares a coat with someone who has none. And it’s a fire in us to not cheat people like the tax collectors in the Gospel who collected more than what was required.
This is how we pick up the baby Jesus who comes to us in people who need food, mercy, justice, and many other things. But God, in His kindness, beckons us only to meet one need at a time, as it is presented to us by the providence of our Heavenly Father. Never be afraid of picking up the baby Jesus in a brother or sister and holding Him close to your heart. I am grateful that hundreds of people are enjoying a Christmas they would not have, but for your big hearts.
Peace everyone.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14, 2025, John 3:13-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm Don’t Be Afraid of the Sting In every Catholic Church and Chapel around the world, we celebrate today an
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 13, 2025, Luke 6:43-49 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091325.cfm Deep Roots I know a friend whose neighbor’s tree fell on her house during a tropical storm. It was
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 12, 2025, Luke 6:49-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091225.cfm Humility And Mercy “When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” This is the grace of God,
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 11, 2025, Luke 6:27-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091125.cfm Keeping Your Honor Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can make us feel disconnected from
Categories
Send Us A Message