Imagine you received an invitation to a wedding from someone you barely know. You look at it and put it aside, not giving it a second thought. In a day or two, some of your friends are talking about a wedding they are attending. It’s the same wedding on the invitation. They are going, and so are you!
Everything changed when you knew you would hang out with some friends. God made us for relationships. Practicing our Catholic faith is no different. Take a moment to reflect on the people you call friends. What is the range of the topics you discuss? Which friends can you speak too easily about your faith and relationship with Jesus?
The narrow gate refers to people who help me grow in my faith and love for the Lord. I may not feel like helping out with some events in the church until I know some of my friends will be there. Friends can be a significant influence in my relationship with Jesus.
But I must also consider who I relate to outside the narrow gate. These are people who don’t know the Lord yet. Are any of these friends creating temptations for me that weaken the practice of my Faith in Jesus? It can be a great witness to the Lord when these friends see that you are a person of conviction and will not waiver in your faith.
Gospel Challenge:
Bring each of your friends to the Lord in prayer. Is your heart filled with peace as you think about that friend? If not, pray for them. If yes, thank the Lord for them.
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Tuesday 12th Week in Ordinary Time June 27, 2023
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for
Tuesday 12th Week in Ordinary Time
June 27, 2023, Matthew 7:6,12-14
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062723.cfm
Who Are My Friends?
Imagine you received an invitation to a wedding from someone you barely know. You look at it and put it aside, not giving it a second thought. In a day or two, some of your friends are talking about a wedding they are attending. It’s the same wedding on the invitation. They are going, and so are you!
Everything changed when you knew you would hang out with some friends. God made us for relationships. Practicing our Catholic faith is no different. Take a moment to reflect on the people you call friends. What is the range of the topics you discuss? Which friends can you speak too easily about your faith and relationship with Jesus?
The narrow gate refers to people who help me grow in my faith and love for the Lord. I may not feel like helping out with some events in the church until I know some of my friends will be there. Friends can be a significant influence in my relationship with Jesus.
But I must also consider who I relate to outside the narrow gate. These are people who don’t know the Lord yet. Are any of these friends creating temptations for me that weaken the practice of my Faith in Jesus? It can be a great witness to the Lord when these friends see that you are a person of conviction and will not waiver in your faith.
Gospel Challenge:
Bring each of your friends to the Lord in prayer. Is your heart filled with peace as you think about that friend? If not, pray for them. If yes, thank the Lord for them.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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