Homily for Monday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time August 21, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time

August 21, 2023, Matthew 19: 16-22

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082123.cfm

Less or More?

Can you imagine what the young man’s heart felt when Jesus looked at him with love? The closest image that comes to mind is the love a mother has for her child the first moment that infant is laid in her arms after birth. The young man’s longing to do the right thing catches the attention of Jesus.

We know he wanted this because he kept all the commandments but wanted more. Unfortunately, he wasn’t ready to give more, that is, give his whole heart and soul to Jesus. His heart was attached to his possessions. To live in this world with the heart of Jesus, the young man had to “sell what you have and give to the poor.”

It seems that Jesus was already in his heart because the “poor” rich young man went away sad. He was willing to live with “less” that he had than the “more” Jesus wanted to give him.

How much Jesus wants to live in our hearts so freely. Are we willing to sacrifice a resentment we have toward someone or some of our time to help out in ministry in the church? What must we do to possess everlasting life?

Gospel Challenge:

Remember the mother holding her baby in her arms? What did she see? What does Jesus say when we go before him in the Blessed Sacrament? Our clothes? Our homes? Our cars? Or even our bank accounts? What does He see?

Peace everyone.

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor

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