Father Rick’s Homily: Monday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time

September 28, 2026
Luke 9:46-50
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092826.cfm

Have you ever had a thought that you believed was true, only to realize you were
mistaken? We can all relate to the disciple who initially had little understanding of who
Jesus was and what He was about. Remember how Peter courageously declared Him
to be the Christ, God’s anointed one?

In the Old Testament, the anointed one was THE KING, a figure who was seen as
standing in for God on earth. It’s quite natural, then, that as they traveled together, one
of them might have wondered aloud, “Who of us is the greatest?”

Jesus took a child into His arms and said, “Whoever receives a child in My Name
receives Me. And whoever receives Me receives the One Who sent Me.” Wow! What a
revelation, but the disciples didn’t grasp it. Do we?

Small children learn sayings and behaviors from parents, siblings, and adults, which is
universal. If children see elders as competitive and superior, they’ll behave similarly.
Hopefully, these behavioral issues are addressed at home and school.

When Jesus told the disciples to become like little children, they felt embarrassed
because, in their culture, a child was considered insignificant, similar to a slave or
servant. Children have little to offer, as they can’t buy anything for themselves because
they have no money unless it is given to them. They have no talents unless they are
given the opportunity to develop them.

So Jesus is ultimately saying, “In my Kingdom, everything is grace, and you can do
nothing without me.”

Gospel challenge:
Come into the Presence of Jesus in your heart. Listen to Him.

“If you want to be great in My eyes and in the eyes of My Father, surrender
everything to Me. Close your eyes and trust Me to take care of everything. I
promise you, I will.”

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com