Every parish has different levels of commitment to Jesus and the Church. There is an old understanding of the Church that worked for centuries but now needs to change. In short, some people see the clergy, religious, and some laity as gifted to “do everything.” They see Mass as a once-a-week obligation. Nothing more is asked of them.
However, recent popes have renewed an old understanding of the Church. All the baptized share in the mission of bringing Jesus to the world. Some people in today’s gospel were not only attracted to Jesus but deeply committed to Him. This commitment included women who knew and loved Jesus so closely that they surrendered everything to him, including their finances.
St. Luke names a couple of these women: Mary Magdeline, whom Jesus cast out seven demons, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza. Chuza was in charge of Herod’s financial affairs. He would be the most trusted and important official to the king. Could there be any more opposites: a lady of the night and a lady of the court in the same company day in and day out? Conversion to Jesus changes everything.
Two completely different people with different makeups and backgrounds love Jesus so much that they put aside their differences without losing their qualities. GK Chesterton commented on this idea. He referred them to the lion lying down with the lamb from the book of Isaiah (11:6).
Gospel Challenge:
The division in our society is growing so fast, beyond our control. However, it is not beyond the control of the people of our parishes, who are deeply committed to Jesus and each other. I can’t just sit back and watch society fall away from the Lord. Can you?
May 22, 2025, John 15:9-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052225.cfm An Incredible Love There is no moment in our lives when God isn’t with us. It doesn’t matter how
May 20, 2025, Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6, John 15:1-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052125.cfm Big Hearts How big can Jesus make our hearts? His love has the power
May 20, 2025, John 14: 27-31a https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052025.cfm I Got This. How often do I hear someone say, “Father Rick, what can I do to bring
May 19, 2025, John 14:21-26 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051925.cfm The Doorbell is Ringing “Someone is ringing the doorbell. Can you get it?” I went to the door, and
Friday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time September 22, 2023
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time
September 22, 2023, Luke 8:1-3
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092223.cfm
Jesus Attracts Opposites
Every parish has different levels of commitment to Jesus and the Church. There is an old understanding of the Church that worked for centuries but now needs to change. In short, some people see the clergy, religious, and some laity as gifted to “do everything.” They see Mass as a once-a-week obligation. Nothing more is asked of them.
However, recent popes have renewed an old understanding of the Church. All the baptized share in the mission of bringing Jesus to the world. Some people in today’s gospel were not only attracted to Jesus but deeply committed to Him. This commitment included women who knew and loved Jesus so closely that they surrendered everything to him, including their finances.
St. Luke names a couple of these women: Mary Magdeline, whom Jesus cast out seven demons, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza. Chuza was in charge of Herod’s financial affairs. He would be the most trusted and important official to the king. Could there be any more opposites: a lady of the night and a lady of the court in the same company day in and day out? Conversion to Jesus changes everything.
Two completely different people with different makeups and backgrounds love Jesus so much that they put aside their differences without losing their qualities. GK Chesterton commented on this idea. He referred them to the lion lying down with the lamb from the book of Isaiah (11:6).
Gospel Challenge:
The division in our society is growing so fast, beyond our control. However, it is not beyond the control of the people of our parishes, who are deeply committed to Jesus and each other. I can’t just sit back and watch society fall away from the Lord. Can you?
Ignite the Fire
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
Pastor
or .
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
Pastor
Blessed Sacrament Church
11565 66th Ave.
Seminole, FL 33772
727-391-4661
pastor
www.bscchurch.com
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