Fr. Rick’s Homily: Monday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time

August 3, 2026
Matthew 14:13-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080326.cfm

Give Them Something Yourselves?

Recall the saying, “God helps those who help themselves,” which might imply that
everything relies only on us. While God has endowed us with natural abilities and
talents to survive and thrive, we are encouraged to use these gifts to serve others and
further God’s kingdom.  
 
For those baptized, God raises us to a higher level of dependence. His Divine
Providence often places us in situations where we must rely entirely on Him. In the
gospel, the disciples were unable to feed thousands of people with only a few fish and
loaves of bread.

They gave Jesus what little they had in exchange for His abundant blessings. Naturally,
God still desires us to give Him whatever we can, regardless of circumstances. His
supreme authority can lead to miracles that surpass our requests and imaginings.  
  
St. Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians, “And so I willingly boast of my
weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)  
 
God can only bless our poverty when we are genuinely in need. The first beatitude
remains as relevant as ever: “Blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of
God.” I previously shared how God provided a bowl of soup for 50 people with a single
ladle in the pan. It kept refilling until everyone was fed. This miracle happened twice to
me while caring for hungry individuals in Bradenton, Florida. I never asked for it; it
simply occurred.  

Gospel Challenge: 
Picture yourself overwhelmed and powerless. Send that feeling of helplessness as a
prayer to God, and let Jesus carry it for you. Trust Jesus to handle everything. 

Peace everyone.
  
Love Your Neighbor!
  
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  

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