Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Saturday, the 5th Week in Lent
March 23, 2024 – John 11:45-56
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032324.cfm
Go to Ephraim.
I learned a long time ago, and perhaps you have, too, that nothing good can come out of a decision when made of fear.
Consider the Pharisees. Because of his miracles, more people started believing in Jesus. The Pharisees stated, “If we let him go on like this, the whole world will believe in him. Then the Romans will come in and sweep away our sanctuary and our nation.”
Little did they know then that the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Jesus responded differently than fear when faced with his approaching death. John tells us that he withdrew to Ephraim, a region near the desert.
He wasn’t escaping or running away. Like other times in his life, Jesus needed time with his Father. We do not find the strength to face any opposition to our faith in books, CDs, or retreats.
These can give us good ideas and knowledge, which has its place in defending our faith. However, true strength to endure spiritual battles comes from prayer – time spent with Jesus alone in the sanctuary of our hearts. Consider the number of times Jesus entered into prayer: when he began his public ministry, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights to pray.
He prayed the whole night before calling his disciples to follow him. In today’s gospel, he goes to Ephraim to pray. Before His arrest, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray and be with His Father.
Gospel Challenge:
When do you and I need to withdraw and go to Ephraim to be with our Father?
| The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday and Tuesday Confessions end after Tuesday of Holy Week, including Holy Thursday – Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity. |
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com