Fr. Rick’s Homily: Friday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time

July 24, 2026
Matthew 13: 18-23
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072426.cfm

Listen and Understand.

How much the Lord wants us to understand him! Why? So, He can heal us. He speaks
our language that requires the full attention of our hearts. We know how it feels when
something heavy is wearing on our hearts, and we long to share it with a person we
trust who cares deeply about our well-being. 

What would happen if we found that they were playing with their phone while we were
pouring out our souls? Think of the Lord trying every day to share His heart with us. 

Like anyone, Jesus needs some time and our undivided attention. The fertile ground is
already in our hearts. Jesus needs some time every day to plant his seeds, which will
bear fruit in the lives of other people.

Only Jesus can make those seeds take root in others’ lives. He needs us to broadcast
or scatter the seeds of His love, mercy, and presence to whomever we meet each day.

Quiet time with the Lord in prayer, even for five minutes, means more to him than 24
hours of mouthing prayers without heart. Intention is everything. We intend to be with
Jesus. That’s it! Nothing else matters. Distractions come and go. 

Gospel Challenge:
Go to Jesus. Take some deep breaths of the Holy Spirit. Let Him exhale all the
business of your day. Sit with Jesus under an oak tree in a meadow or on the
beach, where he called his first disciples.

God will take our simple, heartfelt prayers and works of charity and multiply them, as He
did the loaves and fishes. Pray with Mother Mary, “Let it be done to me as you say!” 
Peace, my friends. 

Love Your Neighbor!

IGNITE THE FIRE! 

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC 

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com