Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily Thursday, 12-30-2021

6th Day in the Octave of Christmas Luke 2:36-40  – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123021.cfm   

1 out of 168 ISN’T MUCH, BUT IT IS POWERFUL. 

Playing the odds is very popular with some people. It is a big business in sports, the market, and gambling challenges people to “beat the odds.” I heard that only 2 percent of people who enter a casino come out winners. Those are not very good odds, however, they remain trendy. 

How would you like to beat the odds every time? Without a doubt, one hundred percent of the time, you will come out better than when you entered. Google tells me that 1 out of 168 is 1.68%, which is less than the casinos. So, where do we find this place to beat the odds every time? The answer is – Jesus, present, body, and soul in every Tabernacle in every Catholic Church throughout the world. 

Luke in the Gospel tells us about Anna, an 84-year-old widow. She was the first person we know who spent time in adoration of the Lord. Anna never left the temple but worshipped day and night with fasting and prayer. She would rather pray than eat. Her heart longed to see the Messiah, and she was rewarded. God came to her in the child, Jesus, and she gave thanks. Imagine holding Him in your arms.   

In the garden before Jesus’ arrest, he found three of his disciples sleeping. He said to them, “Can you not keep watch with me for one hour?” Something about one hour is essential to Jesus – 1.68% of our week. Anna spent all her time with Him.  

Finally, she announced the redemption of all people. Where do you need saving? Where do you keep messing up life, or what trouble never goes away? Go to Jesus with Anna in the temple of the Tabernacle. 1 out of 168 isn’t much, but it is powerful! It is more potent than all the hours put together. In all kindness, “Just Go!” 

IGNITE THE FIRE   

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC   
www.bscchurch.com