January 16, 2026, Mark 2:13-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011726.cfm
Judgement divides people – Mercy unites people who think differently.
We quickly distance ourselves from anyone with COVID or a cold. People in our Lord’s time treated public sinners like they had COVID. They judged not just on one or several crimes but on a person’s overall lifestyle.
The publicans and sinners were already condemned by the Pharisees. It’s like these sinners had COVID-19—stay away. Jesus didn’t mind being contaminated or condemned, or dead to these experts. He knew that day would come during His Passion.
Jesus’ court focused on mercy, not law or justice. Laws are superficial, considering only actions, while mercy is profound, touching the heart and freeing the good within.
Jesus called Levi, now named Matthew, not for his past but for his potential to show God’s mercy to others, reminding us that with God’s grace, we too can forgive and transform lives, no matter how difficult it seems.
On the day Jesus called Matthew from his sinful table, he experienced a transformation, discovering that Jesus puts the person first, before anything else. This is the power of Jesus’s mercy, which can turn even the condemned into bearers of hope, inspiring us to trust in His mercy’s transformative power.
Gospel Challenge:
Our human nature, without Jesus, quickly condemns sin and sinners. But we’re called to do more. Let’s take a step toward the Matthews in our lives and get to know them, inspiring hope and compassion in our hearts.
Let’s embrace our role as channels of God’s mercy, showing forgiveness and open arms to others as we journey together with Jesus.
Judgement divides people – Mercy unites people who think differently. Pray for people who differ from you.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 1st Week in Ordinary Time,
January 16, 2026, Mark 2:13-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011726.cfm
Judgement divides people – Mercy unites people who think differently.
We quickly distance ourselves from anyone with COVID or a cold. People in our Lord’s time treated public sinners like they had COVID. They judged not just on one or several crimes but on a person’s overall lifestyle.
The publicans and sinners were already condemned by the Pharisees. It’s like these sinners had COVID-19—stay away. Jesus didn’t mind being contaminated or condemned, or dead to these experts. He knew that day would come during His Passion.
Jesus’ court focused on mercy, not law or justice. Laws are superficial, considering only actions, while mercy is profound, touching the heart and freeing the good within.
Jesus called Levi, now named Matthew, not for his past but for his potential to show God’s mercy to others, reminding us that with God’s grace, we too can forgive and transform lives, no matter how difficult it seems.
On the day Jesus called Matthew from his sinful table, he experienced a transformation, discovering that Jesus puts the person first, before anything else. This is the power of Jesus’s mercy, which can turn even the condemned into bearers of hope, inspiring us to trust in His mercy’s transformative power.
Gospel Challenge:
Our human nature, without Jesus, quickly condemns sin and sinners. But we’re called to do more. Let’s take a step toward the Matthews in our lives and get to know them, inspiring hope and compassion in our hearts.
Let’s embrace our role as channels of God’s mercy, showing forgiveness and open arms to others as we journey together with Jesus.
Judgement divides people – Mercy unites people who think differently. Pray for people who differ from you.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
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