Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily Tuesday 26th Week in Ordinary Time

November 30, 2025, Luke 9:51-56

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/093025.cfm

Prejudice Can Destroy A Relationship Before It Starts.

Sometimes, someone can say or do something that ultimately puts us off or goes against our character. We may harbor ill feelings towards a family member or a particular race of people. Prejudice is as prevalent today as it was in the time of Jesus. 

It’s easy to imagine Jesus walking into the Samaritan village. As they passed the streets, people ran inside and closed their doors ahead of Him. He could have walked into town incognito without publicity.  

But He chose to send a couple of disciples ahead of Him to announce His arrival. Was that a mistake, trusting the messengers? It didn’t work. The Samaritans’ hatred for the Jews was too much to overcome, so they locked their doors.  

St. Luke emphasizes that the disciples had the same disposition when he added their question, “Let’s call down lightning from heaven and burn the place down.” They, too, carried in their hearts this hostility towards the Samaritans. Jesus was so shocked that he rebuked them.  

Do some behaviors make you uncomfortable? How sweet it could have been to take responsibility for those thoughts and emotions and do what Jesus did. Rebuke the thoughts; they are only thoughts until I give them my attention.

These thoughts have no substance until I start feeling and acting out those emotions. Acknowledge the thoughts and let them go. 

Gospel Challenge: 

If the messengers had done this when they announced the Lord’s coming, doors would have opened. People would have been in the streets to hear the Good News of the Lord and experience His healing and forgiveness.  

So, what will be my resolve the next time I meet an enemy?  

Love Your Neighbor!

Father Rick Pilger, I.C.   

 frrick@bscchurch.com