Monday 23rd Week in Ordinary Time September 11, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 11, 2023, Luke 6:6-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091123.cfm

TRIGGERS.

We all have triggers, involuntary reactions to situations or something someone says or does. Over time, we think, say, and do the same thing when something happens. It happens when watching a baseball or football game. Our team scores, and we clap, yell, and even jump up and down if it’s a game-winner. Everything is involuntary.

Jesus found Himself in a similar situation in today’s gospel. He saw a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. He knew the scribes and Pharisees were up to their old tricks, waiting to catch Jesus off guard. In this case, healing (working) on the Sabbath. Jesus doesn’t react to people or situations; He creates them.

This grace of Jesus is in us. Following Jesus and welcoming His love in us for people causes us to respond in charity to needs that come our way. For instance, Jesus cleverly asks the leaders if doing good or evil on the Sabbath is lawful. There was no response. The man’s hand was healed when he stretched it out.

Gospel Challenge:
Jesus couldn’t care less about showing up the scribes and Pharisees. He was methodically executing His plan to reach out to all living on society’s margins. He responded to his critics. Let us surrender ourselves to the will of Jesus that we will reach out our hand to the forgotten in society, whatever it may cost us.

If that is too difficult to do in a situation, let us ask the intercession of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta to fill our hearts and our hands with the courage and love that filled hers.

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor

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