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

September 6, 2025, Luke 6:1-5
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090625.cfm  

Do I have to stop?

Have you ever approached a stop sign and just rolled through it? We can do it so easily. One time, I approached a red light to make a right turn. Yes, I did not come to a complete stop. Wouldn’t you know, a police officer in an unmarked car pulled me over and wrote me a ticket. Guess what? I always come to a complete stop at a stop sign and a red light.

It’s easy to think I am better than someone who doesn’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign. That’s the attitude the Pharisees had toward Jesus and the disciples in today’s gospel. Instead of condemning Jesus and the disciples, they could have politely inquired why they had done something forbidden on the Sabbath.

We tend to argue quickly when we start off on the wrong foot with someone. It’s about who’s right and who’s wrong; guess who is usually wrong. We’ve already made up our minds. We can carry that critical attitude all day if we’re not careful. It’s easy to blow things out of proportion when we’re in that mindset.

It’s no different from seeing someone run a stop sign. When we condemn an action, we often condemn the person who committed it.

Gospel Challenge: 

Jesus encourages us to look beyond a person’s actions to understand their true intentions. It’s better to give someone the benefit of the doubt when we’re unsure of their motives or circumstances. This way, we can go about our day with a calm mind and a peaceful heart.

Peace be with you.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com