Saturday 12th Week in Ordinary Time July 1, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for
Saturday 12th Week in Ordinary Time

July 1, 2023, Matthew 8:5-17

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070123.cfm

Loving the Least with the Most.

We all have an alarm that goes off if someone 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 worse than we treat 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).  

God can’t help but respond to needs born in love for others. Genuine love for others is the backbone of faith that move’s God’s heart to heal and save us. Indiscriminating love transforms our hands, words, and hearts into the words and actions of Jesus.

Gospel Challenge:

Love the least in the world with the most of your heart. No one we encounter is a nobody to Jesus. So, who needs your heart today? It may be someone you overlooked.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com

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