Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

September 1, 2025, Luke 4:16-30

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090423.cfm

Jesus Was Anointed for You and Me!

Hurricanes are incredibly destructive. Our hearts go out to those who have lost everything in a hurricane or a fire. We open our hearts and wallets to provide them some relief. We are so empathetic because it is something no one brings upon themselves. It’s just nature taking its course.

Human dignity demands more than material needs; it calls for the warmth of a human heart. We cannot define a person’s worth solely by what we give them. Jesus, in the gospel, opened the scroll and read from the prophet Isaiah, “The Lord anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”

The Lord anointed Jesus for all of us, recognizing that we are all spiritually poor in responding to His call to be disciples, captivated by the values and ways of the world, blind to what pleases Him in the situations we face, and oppressed so that we are unable to do anything to save ourselves and live His way.

Gospel Challenge:

Jesus loves us and shows us mercy when we don’t deserve it and can’t do anything to help ourselves. His mercy has the power to transform our hearts, filling them with hope and inspiration, just as a devastated street can be transformed into a thriving community after a hurricane or fire.

Do not be afraid. Welcome the Lord’s glad tidings in your poverty, wherever you feel it. The greater our need, the more we will experience His merciful help.

Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

pastor@bscchurch.com