When our hearts change after an encounter with Jesus, We will never forget Him.
The term “woe” that Jesus uses in today’s Gospel is more of a heartfelt cry than a warning. I wonder how many times St. Francis of Assisi cried from deep within his heart with people, with us. The Lord pleads with the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida, as well as with us, to listen to Him and move beyond the miracles He performs over nature and broken bodies.
His plea is for us to turn to Him wholeheartedly and reveal everything to Him. No secrets, no darkness in our hearts will prevent Him from loving us and sacrificing His life for us on the cross.
The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida saw His mighty works, yet they did not turn to Him for the greatest gift: forgiveness. The most heartbreaking fact is that after Jesus left their towns, no one continued to spread His Gospel.
The miracles would be forgotten because no one’s life changed. When Jesus left, they reverted to the same worries, quarrels, and nitpicking as before He arrived in town. It makes me want to seriously examine what I do after leaving Holy Mass.
They missed the surprise of the Gospel, which Pope Benedict XVI described as: “Nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and speak to others about our friendship with Him.” The power of God’s Word truly comes alive when we invite Jesus to love us even at our worst. This makes our witness to Jesus more effective, and people are more likely to listen to it.
They listen because they know we connect with them and their life experiences. The words we speak about Jesus come from the deepest and richest encounter a human being can have with the Lord—His mercy.
Gospel Reflection: All of us need His mercy. After visiting our town, will the sadness of Jesus persist, or will the angels in heaven rejoice over one repentant sinner? You and I can be their reason for rejoicing.
November 23, 2025, Luke 23:35-43 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm What Do You See? The first thing that jumps into my mind when I hear the word “king” is
November 22, 2025, Luke 20:27-40 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112225.cfm I Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead – Going Deep. My Dad and I would fish in the
,November 20, 2025, Luke 19:41-44 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112025.cfm Tears over Jerusalem. Imagine the grief in the heart of Jesus as he approached Jerusalem. He wanted them to receive
November 19, 2025, Luke 19:11-28 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111925.cfm When I can’t love as much as someone needs, God can. A keyword in today’s gospel is “trade,” which
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily Friday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time
October 3, 2025, Luke 10:13-16
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100325.cfm
When our hearts change after an encounter with Jesus,
We will never forget Him.
The term “woe” that Jesus uses in today’s Gospel is more of a heartfelt cry than a warning. I wonder how many times St. Francis of Assisi cried from deep within his heart with people, with us. The Lord pleads with the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida, as well as with us, to listen to Him and move beyond the miracles He performs over nature and broken bodies.
His plea is for us to turn to Him wholeheartedly and reveal everything to Him. No secrets, no darkness in our hearts will prevent Him from loving us and sacrificing His life for us on the cross.
The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida saw His mighty works, yet they did not turn to Him for the greatest gift: forgiveness. The most heartbreaking fact is that after Jesus left their towns, no one continued to spread His Gospel.
The miracles would be forgotten because no one’s life changed. When Jesus left, they reverted to the same worries, quarrels, and nitpicking as before He arrived in town. It makes me want to seriously examine what I do after leaving Holy Mass.
They missed the surprise of the Gospel, which Pope Benedict XVI described as: “Nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and speak to others about our friendship with Him.” The power of God’s Word truly comes alive when we invite Jesus to love us even at our worst. This makes our witness to Jesus more effective, and people are more likely to listen to it.
They listen because they know we connect with them and their life experiences. The words we speak about Jesus come from the deepest and richest encounter a human being can have with the Lord—His mercy.
Gospel Reflection:
All of us need His mercy. After visiting our town, will the sadness of Jesus persist, or will the angels in heaven rejoice over one repentant sinner? You and I can be their reason for rejoicing.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Christ the King, Solemnity
November 23, 2025, Luke 23:35-43 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm What Do You See? The first thing that jumps into my mind when I hear the word “king” is
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Saturday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time,
November 22, 2025, Luke 20:27-40 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112225.cfm I Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead – Going Deep. My Dad and I would fish in the
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
,November 20, 2025, Luke 19:41-44 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112025.cfm Tears over Jerusalem. Imagine the grief in the heart of Jesus as he approached Jerusalem. He wanted them to receive
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
November 19, 2025, Luke 19:11-28 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111925.cfm When I can’t love as much as someone needs, God can. A keyword in today’s gospel is “trade,” which
Categories
Send Us A Message