Saturday in the Octave of Easter April 15, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday in the Octave of Easter

April 15, 2023, Mark 16:9-15

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041523.cfm

Stuck. I Can’t Move. Grab a Hand.

I moved to Florida from Illinois in 1989. Only once have I been back to Illinois in the winter. However, I don’t miss driving on icy, slippery roads and getting stuck in the snow.

That is what happened to the 11 disciples after the resurrection. Mary of Magdala and the two fellas walking on the Road to Emmaus saw Jesus risen. They ran to tell the disciples, who were mourning and crying. Imagine their excitement, “He’s alive, risen, He’s not dead anymore.” But regrettably, the disciples were stuck in their snow. So, they refused to believe the witnesses.

Being Stuck is no fun for us or anyone else. But unfortunately, it can become a way of life. The rut only gets deeper in our hearts, and it can lead to self-pity where all the focus is on ourselves. Notice it took Jesus to appear to them a few times and rebuke them for not believing the witnesses. Sometimes Jesus needs to shake and shock us so we can get out of the rut. It can be an illness, a scolding from someone who loves us, a friend, or a family member.

Gospel Challenge:

Take the hand that reaches down and can lift you from your sorrow. Jesus appears to us in many ways. Watch for Him.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com

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