How big can Jesus make our hearts? We all probably know someone who has left the practice of their faith and perhaps joined another church that is not Catholic. Something monumental is missing in our hearts.
Our Catholic faith isn’t a contest but an openness and willingness to accept and embrace people where they are in life and their faith. This can be very difficult for us to accept. However, it’s what Jesus did in the Gospels and what the disciples did in the first generation of our faith.
The apostles encountered people who were not Jewish. A Jew could not even speak to a Gentile. The apostles remembered how Jesus cured the Roman centurion’s son and asked the Samaritan woman to drink water from her well.
Jesus is the Vine, but he is also the entire plant. At the first Council of Jerusalem, the apostles left judgment aside. They received a new commandment from Jesus: love as He loved them. Then, it became much easier to welcome Gentiles to the Lord’s Table after they put people before stuff (the century held hatred for Gentiles based on the Mosaic Law.)
We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Each branch of the Vine penetrates every part of it. The time will come when all Christians can eat and drink from our table. The Lord alone knows that date.
Gospel Challenge:
Until then, our responsibility is to mature in our love for Christ Jesus as he reaches out through us and embraces the people we meet every day.
Do not be surprised when Jesus reaches out and touches someone you find different or difficult. Who might that person be? Someone who no longer eats and drinks with us? Pray for them and for yourself to be a loving presence of Christ to all.
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, the 7th Week of the Year. May 22, 2024, Mark 9:38-40. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052224.cfm A Humble Heart Seeks To Understand Another.
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 7th Week in Ordinary Time May 21, 2024, Mark 9:30-37 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052124.cfm Who are the “least?” Healthy competition is good
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church May 20, 2024, John 19:25-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052024.cfm The Strength of
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2024, John 20:19-23 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day Unlock Those Doors The disciples knew Jesus for three years. They were
Wednesday, 5th Week in Easter May 1, 2024
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday, 5th Week in Easter
May 1, 2024, Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6, John 15:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050124.cfm
Big Hearts
How big can Jesus make our hearts? We all probably know someone who has left the practice of their faith and perhaps joined another church that is not Catholic. Something monumental is missing in our hearts.
Our Catholic faith isn’t a contest but an openness and willingness to accept and embrace people where they are in life and their faith. This can be very difficult for us to accept. However, it’s what Jesus did in the Gospels and what the disciples did in the first generation of our faith.
The apostles encountered people who were not Jewish. A Jew could not even speak to a Gentile. The apostles remembered how Jesus cured the Roman centurion’s son and asked the Samaritan woman to drink water from her well.
Jesus is the Vine, but he is also the entire plant. At the first Council of Jerusalem, the apostles left judgment aside. They received a new commandment from Jesus: love as He loved them. Then, it became much easier to welcome Gentiles to the Lord’s Table after they put people before stuff (the century held hatred for Gentiles based on the Mosaic Law.)
We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Each branch of the Vine penetrates every part of it. The time will come when all Christians can eat and drink from our table. The Lord alone knows that date.
Gospel Challenge:
Until then, our responsibility is to mature in our love for Christ Jesus as he reaches out through us and embraces the people we meet every day.
Do not be surprised when Jesus reaches out and touches someone you find different or difficult. Who might that person be? Someone who no longer eats and drinks with us? Pray for them and for yourself to be a loving presence of Christ to all.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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