Saturday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time November 11, 2023

Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the Saturday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time
November 11, 2023, Luke 16:9-15
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111123.cfm

We have but one Lord, Jesus Christ.

When I see a piece of litter on the ground, do I pick it up or walk over it? It seems like a small thing, and is in the big picture. How about money? In these times of hardship, inflation stretches our dollar so that money can be significant for most people.

Guess what? To our Father God, the piece of litter and having enough to pay our bills are all small matters compared to our relationship with Him. Being faithful to Jesus in little things, like not walking over that piece of litter, helps me to trust Him with bigger things that are out of my control. Paying for the repairs on our chapel and rectory caused by Hurricane Ian comes to mind.

I don’t know what state of mind I would be in if I didn’t pray. Getting with Jesus every day helps me keep things in perspective. When I take over and become “the lord” of running the parish, tension and stress overwhelm me. However, I can abandon myself and the parish in the care of Jesus. Whenever I do, someone comes forward with a solution I could never manufacture.

Jesus taught me the power of His Providential care of our parish when our people collected enough money to pay for the new water pipes in the church. Little did we know, it was enough to pay for the damage Hurricane Irma caused a year later in 2018.

Gospel Challenge:
Think of something out of control in your life that you cannot manage alone. Before you bring that to the Lord, ask Him to take care of something smaller, like a meeting with someone or an event you plan. Watch how different everything is when Jesus is Lord, and we are happy to serve Him.

IGNITE THE FIRE.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com

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