“Lord Jesus, help me!” Prayed a priest on his way to a wedding; he was the celebrant. The wedding was scheduled to start in about half an hour. A van full of people was standing on the side of the road and flagged him down. He pulled over, and the sun was blisteringly hot. They were thirsty and hungry, having been there for hours. He was the first person to stop and see what was wrong.
The priest made a call, but as the people in the van knew, there was no answer for help, not even from a tow truck. He prayed again, “ Lord, what do I do? I have a responsibility to marry this couple. They have a reception and a hall booked. His head said, ‘Tell the people in the van you will see what you can do and then get to the wedding.’ His heart told him they were hot, hungry, and thirsty. You can’t just leave them hanging.’ The priest knew it would take more than an hour to get food and water and find a mechanic on a Saturday afternoon.
My friends, in this parable, you are that priest. You are the one in need of help, the one who must make a difficult decision. What would you do in such a situation? It’s a question that can lead to a profound discussion around the dinner table.
We know what the priest and Levite did in the parable. They passed by the man beaten and left for dead. The hated Samaritan dropped everything and did all he could to get the man back to health. This parable is not just a historical story, but a lesson that applies to our daily lives. It challenges us to consider how we treat others in need.
Gospel Challenge:
So, Jesus asks, is it more significant to fulfill the religious law or offer the salve of human kindness? Both are critical, but the sacred dignity of human life takes precedence over the law.
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time
October 6, 2025, Luke 10:25-37
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100625.cfm
You Have Got To Be Kidding, Or We Understand
“Lord Jesus, help me!” Prayed a priest on his way to a wedding; he was the celebrant. The wedding was scheduled to start in about half an hour. A van full of people was standing on the side of the road and flagged him down. He pulled over, and the sun was blisteringly hot. They were thirsty and hungry, having been there for hours. He was the first person to stop and see what was wrong.
The priest made a call, but as the people in the van knew, there was no answer for help, not even from a tow truck. He prayed again, “ Lord, what do I do? I have a responsibility to marry this couple. They have a reception and a hall booked. His head said, ‘Tell the people in the van you will see what you can do and then get to the wedding.’ His heart told him they were hot, hungry, and thirsty. You can’t just leave them hanging.’ The priest knew it would take more than an hour to get food and water and find a mechanic on a Saturday afternoon.
My friends, in this parable, you are that priest. You are the one in need of help, the one who must make a difficult decision. What would you do in such a situation? It’s a question that can lead to a profound discussion around the dinner table.
We know what the priest and Levite did in the parable. They passed by the man beaten and left for dead. The hated Samaritan dropped everything and did all he could to get the man back to health. This parable is not just a historical story, but a lesson that applies to our daily lives. It challenges us to consider how we treat others in need.
Gospel Challenge:
So, Jesus asks, is it more significant to fulfill the religious law or offer the salve of human kindness? Both are critical, but the sacred dignity of human life takes precedence over the law.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 13, 2025, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111325.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, *No Greater Love*. Many times, she brought
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Wednesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 12, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus surprises us. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But in
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 11, 2025, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking up
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Reflection for Monday, 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
November 10, 2025, Luke 17:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm If you have a mulberry tree in your soul, ask Jesus to cast it into the sea. There is
Categories
Send Us A Message