October 11, 2021, Monday 28th Week in Ordinary Time

LET’S GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

Luke 11:29-32

Please open your Scriptures and read these verses prayerfully.

People repeat themselves for 2 reasons. 1, they are not listening and 2, what I am saying is really important, and you have to get it. Remember, in Sunday’s gospel, Jesus told the rich young man he lacked one thing, putting God first above all his stuff. In today’s gospel, He is doing the same thing, but from a different direction. People were seeking a sign from Jesus to know if He was the Messiah. Feeding 5000 with a few loaves and a couple of fish wasn’t enough. Healing people and raising them from the dead wasn’t enough to put their faith in Him.

That’s it! Faith! God’s gift to us in His Son is bigger than anything we can put in a box or bigger than any healing or miracle we can experience. Yet, of all the things that Jesus could give us and leave for us down to this day, He gives us Himself in Holy Communion. He takes a tiny white wafer of bread and says, “This is My Body.” Incredible. He calls us to faith as he called the people to faith who asked for a sign on that day over two millennia ago.

THE GOSPEL CHALLENGE: How many times have I asked Jesus for “something” in prayer? Sure, it is good and right to ask for God’s help. “Ask,” Jesus said, “and you will receive.” Our challenge today is to not seek a sign for some-thing we need FIRST. Before you ask, visit the Chapel, and come into the Lord’s Real Presence in the tabernacle. Take a few moments and relax with Him before you ask.

Then, feel your need in your heart and lay it in the palm of his hand. Sit with him and let him hold that need for you. When you leave the Chapel, trust that only good will come your way. As he told us over and over again, repeating himself, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you” (Luke 12: 31.) The Kingdom of God always begins with Jesus. He is God’s sign to life in all its fullness. Go to Him.

IGNITE THE FIRE.

God bless you, my friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.