Monday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time September 18, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time

September 18, 2023, Luke 7:1-10

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091823.cfm

Jesus’ Heroes

We all have an alarm that goes off in someone who is in a crisis. Strangers run into a burning house to save someone. We know everyday heroes who sacrifice themselves for the good of others time and time again. In the gospel, the centurion would be a hero in his day. He put his reputation on the line for an enslaved person. Romans treated enslaved people like animals. They could kill them without consequences.

Jesus couldn’t help but see himself in the centurion. The distress of his servant was his distress. He treated him like his son. When we love others, especially those who have little or no worth in the eyes of the world, God’s heart melts to respond to all our needs.

With the heart of Christ, the centurion had no trouble believing that Jesus could heal his servant. He is a model of faith and love working together. St. James proclaims in his letter, “Show me your faith, and I will show you the work of charity that backs up my faith” (James 2:18).

Gospel Challenge:

God can’t help but respond to needs born in love for others. Genuine love for others is the backbone of faith that moves God’s heart to heal and save us. Indiscriminating love transforms our hands, words, and hearts into the words and actions of Jesus. No one we encounter is a nobody to Jesus. So, who needs your heart today? It may be someone you could overlook.

Ignite the Fire

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.

Pastor

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