Wednesday, the 4th Week in Lent March 22, 2023

Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Wednesday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 22, 2023  
John 5:17-30  

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032223.cfm

Do Nothing On Your Own.

Recently, I spoke about the messes we create when we act on our own. Unfortunately, I am aware of those times. Perhaps you are too, but I don’t always recognize them. So here is the clue that I act alone without Jesus – my heart lacks peace and tranquility. When tension and stress take over, watch out. Something terrible is about to happen if we act on compulsion. However, you may remember it, Will Smith most likely acted out of compulsion when he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. 

Let’s learn from Jesus.  

1. In today’s gospel, he said He does nothing on His own but only what He saw the Father doing. So Jesus acted and spoke out of total peace.  
2. He had the coolness of head and heart to confront His adversaries because He knew He was not alone.  
3. He had the conviction to speak the Truth with clarity because He knew His Father spoke through Him. 

Like our body temperature rises when we have a fever, so does the temperature increases in our emotions during moments of strife. Our emotions are at work to get others to do what we want. As a result, people feel attacked, which never turns out well. So, renounce those thoughts and feelings. Go to prayer. Talk things out with Jesus and even a trusted friend. You know peace has returned when your adversary is more important to you than what is bothering you.  

Gospel Challenge:

Finally, remember, Jesus never cut anyone out of His heart. Even the soldier who crucified Him knew this and declared, “Truly, this is the Son of God.” Something which the Pharisees accused Jesus of and had Him crucified. But Jesus stood tall to the end.

Let peace reign.

Ignite the Fire

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  

www.bscchurch.com 

or .