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

September 3, 2024, Luke 4:31-37
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090324.cfm

Jesus Is So Strong – Unbelievable, But It’s True.

A young couple asked me to bless their house. They had just moved in and were experiencing a strange phenomenon. I began the blessing at the back door with holy water and the Rite of Blessing. When I entered the study, some bay doors on the right flung open themselves, and a throw rug ruffled up. I saw footprints across the bed and another set of bay doors open by themselves. No one was there. Around the corner, another throw rug ruffled up. Something extraordinary was happening.

There was a long rectangular room with a workbench when I went downstairs. Someone sacrificed an animal in that room because blood covered the walls and the bench. These strange occurrences stopped after I blessed the house with holy water.

Think how powerful Jesus is when demons scream in the gospel, “We know who you are, the Son of God. Have you come to destroy us?” Think of the strength of Jesus when demons run for their lives from holy water. Are you plagued by a temptation that will not go away? Is it a part of your behavior so much that you do it without thinking? Evil in any form has no authority over Jesus.

Gospel Challenge: 
Bless yourself in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That’s the formula a priest uses when he blesses water. You are under the authority of Jesus and can bless yourself whenever temptation arises. If demons run from holy water, temptation can’t exist when you bless yourself with the sign of His Cross.

Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com