Some experiences stay with you forever. I had one such moment in the seminary with a professor, Fr. Eric Doyle. He called me into his office for a final oral exam on the doctrine of grace. I sat facing him. He held my hands and looked into my eyes. He said, “Rick, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is of supereminent importance.” Then he added, “Rick, everything is grace.” That was our final exam.
Reflecting on today’s gospel, the Parable of the Sower, I see us as the ground where our Father sows His seed, the Word, Jesus. Our relationship with the Lord is His work, not ours. Even fertile ground can’t do anything on its own – it just exists.
Consider what happens when the Father brings His Son into a relationship with us. After growth, weeding, watering, and nourishment, the results are amazing. It’s a blessing to be the fertile ground He chooses.
Even if we’re on shaky ground or blocked by thorns, remember that beneath the chaos, there’s fertile ground. The Lord’s discipline is the saving power of Jesus, coming with the Cross as a plow to uproot obstacles to His love. When facing the Cross, don’t resist—embrace it with courage and hope.
Gospel Challenge: Take heart and embrace it with love. The Sower allows His Son to suffer with us until He finds fertile ground, after which we’ll recognize He’s with us in every moment—even in our breath—seeing each as a gift.
October 14, 2026Luke 11:42-46https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101426.cfm One little decision can determine our destiny. “Woe to you, Pharisees!” Intoxicated drivers can cause significant harm to themselves and others.
October 13, 2026Luke 11:37-41https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101326.cfm Some Things We Can’t See Living in a parish with a school allows me to visit the children anytime. However, we
October 11, 2026 Matthew 22:1-14https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101126.cfm Silence – An Unrepentant Heart Our culture is consumed with appearance. Look at the commercials. If we focus only onthe
October 10, 2026 Luke 11:27-28https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101026.cfm Listen to the Word “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” Childrensometimes follow a
Father Rick’s Homily: Saturday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time
September 19, 2026
Luke 8:4-15
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091926.cfm
Everything is Grace
Some experiences stay with you forever. I had one such moment in the seminary with a
professor, Fr. Eric Doyle. He called me into his office for a final oral exam on the
doctrine of grace. I sat facing him. He held my hands and looked into my eyes. He said,
“Rick, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is of supereminent importance.” Then he added,
“Rick, everything is grace.” That was our final exam.
Reflecting on today’s gospel, the Parable of the Sower, I see us as the ground where
our Father sows His seed, the Word, Jesus. Our relationship with the Lord is His work,
not ours. Even fertile ground can’t do anything on its own – it just exists.
Consider what happens when the Father brings His Son into a relationship with us. After
growth, weeding, watering, and nourishment, the results are amazing. It’s a blessing to
be the fertile ground He chooses.
Even if we’re on shaky ground or blocked by thorns, remember that beneath the chaos,
there’s fertile ground. The Lord’s discipline is the saving power of Jesus, coming with
the Cross as a plow to uproot obstacles to His love. When facing the Cross, don’t
resist—embrace it with courage and hope.
Gospel Challenge:
Take heart and embrace it with love. The Sower allows His Son to suffer with us until He
finds fertile ground, after which we’ll recognize He’s with us in every moment—even in
our breath—seeing each as a gift.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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