Preparing a couple for marriage is such an exciting ministry. I notice how couples sometimes let go of long-held family traditions. Parents will sometimes come to visit, and occasionally they will say something like, “Well, we always did it like this.”
Behind this thought is another: “Why would you want to change something that has worked for generations?” I know the Sacrament of Marriage is working even before the wedding. When the couple realizes that their relationship and love for each other are more important than the traditions they’ve held onto for so long. Things always seem to work out when we prioritize people over stuff.
The scribes and Pharisees struggled to catch Jesus in error. They followed Him, seeking to embarrass Him. Today’s gospel shows how picking corn on the Sabbath broke Mosaic Law, which forbade work on that day. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes we can become so caught up in rules and traditions that we forget the essence of our faith – love and charity.
They failed to realize that charity surpasses every other law, even the Mosaic Law. Again, remember how Jesus combined the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for one’s neighbor.
He is with us whenever we act kindly towards our neighbors. Therefore, Jesus remains present when we intentionally prioritize people over objects, even over longstanding traditions.
Gospel Challenge: Sometimes we create rules in our minds about how things should be. We call these attitudes. For instance, we might expect others to always be on time, or we might believe that certain tasks should be done in a specific way. Often, these rules are for our own convenience. We expect everyone to follow these rules.
If there’s a barrier between you and someone you hold dear, remember the transformative power of charity and kindness. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Serving Christ through our neighbor takes precedence over any laws our minds have devised. Let this truth inspire you to act with love and kindness, and watch how it transforms your relationships.
October 16 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101626.cfm The pressure of our culture Jesus assures us in John’s Gospel, “You will face trials in this world. But be strong,”
October 15, 2026Luke 11:47-54https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101526.cfm The most humbling thing we can discover is … Can you imagine how often the scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers heard Jesus
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
Fr. Rick’s Homily: Friday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time
July 17, 2026
Matthew 12:1-8
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071726.cfm
It Is Hard to Let Go Sometimes.
Preparing a couple for marriage is such an exciting ministry. I notice how couples
sometimes let go of long-held family traditions. Parents will sometimes come to visit,
and occasionally they will say something like, “Well, we always did it like this.”
Behind this thought is another: “Why would you want to change something that has
worked for generations?” I know the Sacrament of Marriage is working even before the
wedding. When the couple realizes that their relationship and love for each other are
more important than the traditions they’ve held onto for so long. Things always seem to
work out when we prioritize people over stuff.
The scribes and Pharisees struggled to catch Jesus in error. They followed Him,
seeking to embarrass Him. Today’s gospel shows how picking corn on the Sabbath
broke Mosaic Law, which forbade work on that day. This incident serves as a powerful
reminder that sometimes we can become so caught up in rules and traditions that we
forget the essence of our faith – love and charity.
They failed to realize that charity surpasses every other law, even the Mosaic Law.
Again, remember how Jesus combined the two greatest commandments: love for God
and love for one’s neighbor.
He is with us whenever we act kindly towards our neighbors. Therefore, Jesus remains
present when we intentionally prioritize people over objects, even over longstanding
traditions.
Gospel Challenge:
Sometimes we create rules in our minds about how things should be. We call these
attitudes. For instance, we might expect others to always be on time, or we might
believe that certain tasks should be done in a specific way. Often, these rules are for our
own convenience. We expect everyone to follow these rules.
If there’s a barrier between you and someone you hold dear, remember the
transformative power of charity and kindness. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not
sacrifice.” Serving Christ through our neighbor takes precedence over any laws our
minds have devised. Let this truth inspire you to act with love and kindness, and watch
how it transforms your relationships.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
https://www.rosminians.com
https://www.bscchurch.com
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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.
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