Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 1000 times more potent than morphine. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to drugs like Fentanyl. (Fentanyl Facts – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html.
It is easy to read these statistics and get on with what we are doing. But in reality, we are all in this together. Seriously, people in our society, especially young people, are hurting so much that they risk taking a drug that can kill them. They face a monster daily and want some relief from the pain.
The prophet Ezekiel speaks clearly in today’s first reading about life and death. Turn away from sin, and you will live. Turning away from sin or anything that harms us is not always easy and, for some, impossible. What to do?
Don’t feel helpless. We have Jesus living in us, suffering with these people. Spend a moment or two praying for someone under the influence of a drug or sinful behavior. Ask the Lord to let you carry some of their pain with Him. We are the Body of Christ, and if one part of the body suffers, so do all the members (1 Corinthians 12:21-16)
Gospel Challenge:
God can use our prayers in His Divine Providence for someone who can’t overcome their illness. He will bring into their lives a person who will connect with them. I have seen more people than I can count who came to the Lord on their knees, asking for His mercy. And they got it.
We have the freedom to pray for someone who can’t help themselves.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051726-Ascension A favorite way to pray the Scriptures is to enter the scene and experience what the people are experiencing alongside
May 16, 2026, John 16: 23b-28 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051626.cfm The Father Himself Loves You. A priest hears many stories, some happy and some sad. My heart goes
May 14, 2026, John 15:9-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051426-Thursday All For Jesus The school kids play a hand game called Rock, Paper, Scissors: Rock crushesScissors, Scissors cut Paper,
May 13, 2026, John 16:12-15 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051326.cfm What is God Saying To Me Today? There are many ways to pray. The Holy Mass is the Source
Friday, 1st Week in Lent, March 3, 2023
Father Rick’s Three Minute Homily for Friday, 1st Week in Lent, March 3, 2023
Matthew 5:20-26 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030323.cfm
Outside the Box.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 1000 times more potent than morphine. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to drugs like Fentanyl. (Fentanyl Facts – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html.
It is easy to read these statistics and get on with what we are doing. But in reality, we are all in this together. Seriously, people in our society, especially young people, are hurting so much that they risk taking a drug that can kill them. They face a monster daily and want some relief from the pain.
The prophet Ezekiel speaks clearly in today’s first reading about life and death. Turn away from sin, and you will live. Turning away from sin or anything that harms us is not always easy and, for some, impossible. What to do?
Don’t feel helpless. We have Jesus living in us, suffering with these people. Spend a moment or two praying for someone under the influence of a drug or sinful behavior. Ask the Lord to let you carry some of their pain with Him. We are the Body of Christ, and if one part of the body suffers, so do all the members (1 Corinthians 12:21-16)
Gospel Challenge:
God can use our prayers in His Divine Providence for someone who can’t overcome their illness. He will bring into their lives a person who will connect with them. I have seen more people than I can count who came to the Lord on their knees, asking for His mercy. And they got it.
We have the freedom to pray for someone who can’t help themselves.
IGNITE THE FIRE
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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