Saturday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time September 30, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 25th Week in Ordinary Time
September 30, 2023, Luke 9:42b-45
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092723.cfm

No One Wants To Suffer, But.

We know how we feel when someone close to us finds out they need a biopsy for a spot that may be cancerous. How much we dread the possibility of what they must suffer. And if it is cancer, how much do we suffer with them during their operation and chemotherapy?

Coming down the mountain after the Transfiguration, Jesus tells his three disciples that he will suffer, be crucified, and rise again. How easy it would be for us to relish the excitement and hype of the Transfiguration. How wonderful to stay on that mountain with Jesus. But they went down into the valley, and immediately Jesus healed a man possessed by a demon.

Jesus had to let his disciples know that His healing power was not magic but the result of much pain and suffering. Nevertheless, “It is by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus did not shrink from showing His greatest love for us through His Suffering and Passion.

He challenges us to pick up our cross every day and show Him how much we love Him in the hard times. That cross carried in love brings healing and salvation to people who need the healing of Jesus and His compassion. We are His hands and heart for people.

Gospel Challenge:

Is there a cross you do not want to pick up and carry? Pray with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, “Lord, let this cup pass me by, but let not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Ignite the Fire

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.

Pastor

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