Monday 18th Week in Ordinary Time 2022

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday 18th Week in Ordinary Time 08-01-2022
Monday 18th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Matthew 14:13-21 Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

GIVE THEM SOMETHING YOURSELVES.

Remember the adage, “God helps those who help themselves?” Unfortunately, that phrase makes it sound like everything depends on us. God has given us natural abilities and talents to live and sustain ourselves in this world. And like the parable in the Gospels, we need to invest those talents and abilities in others so God’s kingdom can grow in this world.

But for the baptized, God raises us to another notch. His Divine Providence places us in situations where we depend on him for everything. In the gospel, the disciples could not feed thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. So, they gave Jesus the little they had to receive from His abundance. Of course, God still expects us to offer Him whatever we can do in any situation. But His authority over everything can bring about miracles beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.

St. Paul states in the second letter to the Corinthians, “And so I willingly most of my weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God cannot help but bless our poverty when we are in need. The first beatitude is still relevant, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.” In an earlier reflection, you may remember me telling you how God fed 50 people a bowl of soup with one ladle. That happened to me twice, feeding the hungry in Bradenton, Florida. I didn’t even ask Him to do it.

Think of the situation where you are over your head and can do nothing. Feel that sense of helplessness and offer it as a prayer to God.

“GIVE THEM SOMETHING YOURSELVES.”

Peace everyone.

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor

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