Every day I pray before the Blessed Sacrament for family members and friends who have left the Church’s sacramental life. I think of Jesus on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” Think if someone didn’t know the value of gold, it would only be a rock to them.
But if they knew the value of gold in today’s market, they would sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Jesus told his disciples not to go into the pagan territory but only to the lost sheep of Israel. The Lord wants us to evangelize family and friends before people we don’t know.
We are all rookies and need the experience of sharing how our relationship with the Lord impacts our life experiences. If they are to hear us, our words and actions, especially our attitudes, must be filled with the kindness and the welcome of the Lord Jesus.
I have found that when I pray for family and friends who no longer have a sacramental life in the Church, the Lord has some work to do in me. One of the hardest things to overcome with relatives and friends is judgment. The thought that I am right and they are wrong is a barrier to the Lord working in their hearts through me.
Gospel Challenge:
You and I can’t convince anyone of anything without loving and embracing them just as we find them. So, let’s start with the goodness in people’s hearts. Let us compliment them on all their achievements and feel their sorrow in disappointments.
When they know we have a genuine interest in them and their lives, Jesus can break through in the most natural but remarkable ways. Give trust a chance to grow, and they will welcome the words we share. Always respond to their needs and never force the gospel on anyone. Jesus works best through our kindness.
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
March 27, 2026, John 5:1-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031726.cfm From Addiction to Walking. More than 20 years ago, I underwent a shoulder replacement. Initially, the first day
March 16, 2026, John 4:43-54 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031626.cfm No More Dog Days with Jesus Growing up, I loved to fish with my Dad. What mattered most to
March 8, 2026, John 4:5-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm Jesus, talk to Me. Don’t Make Me Laugh. Imagine this woman approaching Jacob’s well. She has heard of Jesus
Wednesday 14th Week in Ordinary Time July 12, 2023
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday 14th Week in Ordinary Time
July 12, 2023, Matthew 10:1-7
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071223.cfm
Faith Is All About Relationships.
Every day I pray before the Blessed Sacrament for family members and friends who have left the Church’s sacramental life. I think of Jesus on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.” Think if someone didn’t know the value of gold, it would only be a rock to them.
But if they knew the value of gold in today’s market, they would sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Jesus told his disciples not to go into the pagan territory but only to the lost sheep of Israel. The Lord wants us to evangelize family and friends before people we don’t know.
We are all rookies and need the experience of sharing how our relationship with the Lord impacts our life experiences. If they are to hear us, our words and actions, especially our attitudes, must be filled with the kindness and the welcome of the Lord Jesus.
I have found that when I pray for family and friends who no longer have a sacramental life in the Church, the Lord has some work to do in me. One of the hardest things to overcome with relatives and friends is judgment. The thought that I am right and they are wrong is a barrier to the Lord working in their hearts through me.
Gospel Challenge:
You and I can’t convince anyone of anything without loving and embracing them just as we find them. So, let’s start with the goodness in people’s hearts. Let us compliment them on all their achievements and feel their sorrow in disappointments.
When they know we have a genuine interest in them and their lives, Jesus can break through in the most natural but remarkable ways. Give trust a chance to grow, and they will welcome the words we share. Always respond to their needs and never force the gospel on anyone. Jesus works best through our kindness.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Wednesday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Tuesday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 27, 2026, John 5:1-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031726.cfm From Addiction to Walking. More than 20 years ago, I underwent a shoulder replacement. Initially, the first day
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Monday, 4th Week in Lent
March 16, 2026, John 4:43-54 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031626.cfm No More Dog Days with Jesus Growing up, I loved to fish with my Dad. What mattered most to
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 3rd Sunday in Lent, A,
March 8, 2026, John 4:5-42 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm Jesus, talk to Me. Don’t Make Me Laugh. Imagine this woman approaching Jacob’s well. She has heard of Jesus
Categories
Send Us A Message