July 18, 2025, Matthew 12:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071825.cfm
It Is Hard to Let Go Sometimes.
Preparing a couple for marriage is such an exciting ministry. I notice how couples sometimes let go of long-held family traditions. Parents will sometimes come for a visit, and occasionally, they will say something like, “Well, we always did like this.”
Behind this thought is another: “Why would you want to change something that has worked for generations?” I know the Sacrament of Marriage is working even before the wedding. When the couple realizes that their relationship and love for each other are more important than the traditions they’ve held onto for so long. Things always seem to work out when we prioritize people over stuff.
The scribes and Pharisees struggled to catch Jesus in error. They followed Him, seeking to embarrass Him. Today’s gospel shows how picking corn on the Sabbath broke Mosaic Law, which forbade work on that day. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, we can get so caught up in the rules and traditions that we forget the essence of our faith-love and charity.
They failed to realize that charity surpasses every other law, even the Mosaic Law. Again, remember how Jesus combined the two greatest commandments: love of God and love of neighbor.
He is with us whenever we act kindly towards our neighbors. Therefore, Jesus remains present when we intentionally prioritize people over objects, even over longstanding traditions.
Gospel Challenge:
Sometimes we create rules in our minds about how things should be. We call these attitudes. For instance, we might expect others to always be on time, or we might believe that certain tasks should be done in a specific way. Often, these rules are for our own convenience. We expect everyone to follow these rules.
If there’s a barrier between you and someone you hold dear, remember the transformative power of charity and kindness. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Serving Christ through our neighbor takes precedence over any laws our minds have devised. Let this truth inspire you to act with love and kindness, and watch how it transforms your relationships.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time
July 18, 2025, Matthew 12:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071825.cfm
It Is Hard to Let Go Sometimes.
Preparing a couple for marriage is such an exciting ministry. I notice how couples sometimes let go of long-held family traditions. Parents will sometimes come for a visit, and occasionally, they will say something like, “Well, we always did like this.”
Behind this thought is another: “Why would you want to change something that has worked for generations?” I know the Sacrament of Marriage is working even before the wedding. When the couple realizes that their relationship and love for each other are more important than the traditions they’ve held onto for so long. Things always seem to work out when we prioritize people over stuff.
The scribes and Pharisees struggled to catch Jesus in error. They followed Him, seeking to embarrass Him. Today’s gospel shows how picking corn on the Sabbath broke Mosaic Law, which forbade work on that day. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, we can get so caught up in the rules and traditions that we forget the essence of our faith-love and charity.
They failed to realize that charity surpasses every other law, even the Mosaic Law. Again, remember how Jesus combined the two greatest commandments: love of God and love of neighbor.
He is with us whenever we act kindly towards our neighbors. Therefore, Jesus remains present when we intentionally prioritize people over objects, even over longstanding traditions.
Gospel Challenge:
Sometimes we create rules in our minds about how things should be. We call these attitudes. For instance, we might expect others to always be on time, or we might believe that certain tasks should be done in a specific way. Often, these rules are for our own convenience. We expect everyone to follow these rules.
If there’s a barrier between you and someone you hold dear, remember the transformative power of charity and kindness. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Serving Christ through our neighbor takes precedence over any laws our minds have devised. Let this truth inspire you to act with love and kindness, and watch how it transforms your relationships.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com
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