Tuesday, 3rd Week in Lent, March 5. 2024

Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 3rd Week in Lent,
March 5. 2024, Matthew 18:21-35
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030524.cfm

Reconciliation: Inconceivable but Necessary.
“Whatever you do the least of my brethren, you do to me.” Think of the millions of Ukrainians who migrated from their country and the thousands killed by the Russians. What Vladimir Putin began is inconceivable. We ask how he can order attacks on schools and shelters containing civilians, including children.

Consider the servant in the parable entrusted with distributing his master’s wealth. Over the years, he stole so much that he could never repay his debt, even if he lived a thousand years. Yet, his master forgave everything when he pleaded for mercy, and he forgave him because he could.

The more we love someone, the deeper it hurts when someone offends us. Even a small offense can hurt us acutely, and it is hard to let it go. So, when I read today’s gospel, Putin came to mind. And I couldn’t help but think that the amount of Putin’s debt to humanity could not compare to the vast amount the master forgave his servant. And yet, God’s infinite mercy can swallow even Putin’s sins. Why? Because Jesus carried in His person the suffering, everyone experienced in this war.

Gospel Challenge:
It would be good to ponder the vastness of God’s mercy in us. I envision His heart swallowing up the hurts we cause others—what a challenge when Jesus asks us to do the same for anyone who offends us. Let the heart of Jesus in you embrace anyone who has offended you. His suffering has already paid their debt to you. No one could pay anymore.

For your convenience, The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available every evening during Lent, starting on March 18 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week.

No confessions will be heard on Holy Thursday – Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity. We will continue to have confessions on Saturdays from 3-4 p.m.

Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor

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