Tuesday, 5th Week in Easter April 30, 2024

Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 5th Week in Easter

April 30, 2024, John 14: 27-31a

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/043024.cfm

I Got This.

How many times do I hear someone say, “Father Rick, what can I do to bring my children back to the practice of their faith? It is a cause of great concern in the hearts of parents and, yes, pastors and priests too. Perhaps you know someone who no longer practices the Catholic Faith and lives a sacramental life in the Church.

Let’s stop momentarily and listen to what Jesus tells us in the gospel, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” He is saying, “I got this!” He gives us his peace, not as the world gives peace. How do they differ?

The world’s peace is when we have everything worked out “our way. That is, what makes us happy at the moment? Sometimes, we think we must fix everything and everyone, and I have to laugh because I can’t even fix myself.

When you think that first, we are nothing compared to God, and second, we have a history of sinfulness, how could we possibly think we could do any good for anyone unless it is the will of the Lord? Our beloved, blessed Antonio Rosmini wrote in the Fifth Maxim (To Acknowledge Profoundly One’s Own Nothingness),

These two truths should dissuade us from undertaking anything unless we know it to be God’s will… If a man sincerely believes himself incapable of any good, it is impossible for him to undertake anything of his own initiative.

What a relief! Welcoming anyone back to the practice of the Faith isn’t something that we can do. It is good to get off on the right foot with people. Accept them where they are, love them, and wait for the Lord to move their hearts.

Gospel Challenge:
Jesus promised in the gospel today that He would come back to them. Might I add, when He knows best. “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. I will come back to you and take you to Myself.” Thank the Lord; Jesus is the Savior, not us.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC 
www.bscchurch.com