Ordinary Time, 24th Sunday (B) Which world religion is the true religion? You don't have to look at every religion, you just have to answer this question: Is Jesus who he says he is? Every other founder of a major religion has claimed to have a special insight or revelation from God. Only Jesus claimed to BE GOD. Most people accept that Jesus was at least a good and holy man. But that is the one thing that Jesus CANNOT be. He must be either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.

He proves his claim not only with his miracles but also by rising from the dead. Jesus is who he says he is, and that means you are who he says you are. You are a beloved child of God and you have nothing to fear. Isaiah has a confidence that comes from trusting the God who called him. When we have this confidence, we can be generous with those around us. Because Jesus is who he says he is, do not be afraid to do what he calls you to do.

(15 Sep 2024)

Going Deeper: Do you believe Jesus' claim to be God? How does this belief give you new confidence?

Over 13 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (B) After an attempt at rolling my kayak, my ears had to be opened in order for me to hear clearly. Just because we can hear doesn't mean that we are really listening. What would happen if God actually spoke to you during your prayer time? Some of us might feel he was interrupting our prayers.

When working with foreign priests, I have learned that just because he says, "Yes" does not mean he has understood. I need to wait for further information to confirm he got what I said. I also need to not only listen to him, but try and truly understand.

Before the Gospel is read at Mass, we trace the cross on our forehead, lips, and heart. We are signaling our openness to what God's word wants to give us. Let us pray that we can not only hear God, but also listen and understand.

(8 Sep 2024)

Going Deeper: Reflect on the 12 active listening skills. How many do you practice regularly?

Image: AdobeStock_191551385, AdobeStock_556632167| Over 13 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.

Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (B) Is Jesus opposed to rituals and traditions? I see that Jesus has three objections to the behavior of the Scribes and Pharisees.

1. Using external rituals to say, "I'm better than you." We can and should judge right and wrong behavior. But we cannot judge hearts. And we must not use external rituals to compare ourselves to others.
2. The rituals and traditions must not become more important than the law of God.
3. Our hearts are the important part. Our external actions should show what is in our hearts. When there is a disconnect, the heart is the most important part of the equation.

God wants to be with his people. When our actions are evil and our hearts are full of uncleanness, we will not be close to God. God has given us the rules so that we can be close to Him. Moses says, "For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?"

Not a single one of us by "trying harder" can fulfill the call to be like Jesus. This is we must, "Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls." God's own spirit will transform our hearts from the inside. From clean hearts flow clean actions.

Fr. Kamal has arrived in Antigo. He told me a story that reminded me of the power of praying together with fellow Christians. This power flows from our closeness with God.

(1 Sep 2024)

Going Deeper: Do you gather and pray as a family? Do you gather and pray with other Christian families?
Consider participating in the Red, White, and Blue Ecumenical Service on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Noon at the Langlade County Courthouse.

Image: AdobeStock_379364700 | Over 13 years of homily episodes available at PilgrimPriest.us/podcast | Like, subscribe, and share us with your enemies. | Find me on Facebook and Twitter | Powered by Patrons | give through PayPal or leave a nice review on your favorite podcast platform.