Thursday, 7th Week of the Year May 23, 2024

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 7th Week of the Year
May 23, 2024, Mark 9:41-50
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052324.cfm

What’s Worse Losing? A Hand or a Soul.

Jesus teaches us that nothing in this life can compare to what happens to us in eternity. People in our Lord’s time and culture would use exaggerated speech to impress others. He mentioned three horrific examples of drowning with a millstone around our neck, cutting off our hand or foot, and losing our eye. He made the point: How difficult it would be to live without a hand, a foot, or an eye.

That is precisely what we do to our souls when we sin. It directly affects our relationship with God and others. Our faith and, love, caring, and compassion are severely handicapped.

Sin is a cancer that consumes and destroys everything and everyone it touches. More than handicapping our relations here on earth is how it affects our eternity. Some people say there is no hell. How foolish they are. God gives us ample time to repent. How silly to presume God’s mercy.

Gospel Challenge:

Whatever we must do to change, do it. Don’t delay it. Whatever we lose in our earthly life can never compare to our eternal separation from God. One of the worst tragedies is a parent who buries a young child. How insurmountable is their grief? What does God experience when He loses a child for all eternity?

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com