Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily Wednesday – 02-23-2022

Wednesday 7^th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Matthew 9:38-40 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022322.cfm

US AND THEM

“Growing up is hard to do,” I remember that song by Ginger and the Snaps. Being a grown-up is hard to do as well. Perhaps you knew a bully or bullies in school. They pick on one or two kids, which is devastating for the child. The bottom line is that some people are not accepted for one reason or another. Our culture is experiencing this in different ways, racism, paying a high rent increase, and Jewish and Eastern culture persecutions. In addition, gang warfare is present in our cities.

In Jesus, there is no US AND THEM. There is ONLY US. The disciples in today’s gospel tried to stop someone from casting out a demon. They told Jesus, “He doesn’t follow us.”  Jesus would hear nothing of it. His reasoning is simple, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”

When division creeps into our thinking and hearts, put up a red flag and look for a deeper understanding of the person or people. Choose charity over prejudice. Ask Jesus to show you the best in a person who is different from you/us. We don’t have to muster up any effort to be charitable in our thinking and behavior. It is already inside of us. It’s who we are in our best selves in Christ.

St. Paul teaches us that “hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Therefore, claim the love of God for yourself and “them.” And then, “them” will be no more. There will only be “us.”

IGNITE THE FIRE

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com