Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 3rd Week in Lent
March 13, 2026, Mark 12:28-34
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031326.cfm
Don’t ask any more questions.
Recall a moment when your heart felt overwhelmed, almost to bursting.
You couldn’t handle any more.
Perhaps it was during a retreat or a tender moment with a loved one, such as a child.
Your heart feels so full that you find yourself crying, “Stop! Enough! I experience this often when I visit the children at our school.
However, a different challenge really pushes your boundaries.
It happens in the gospel we just heard/read, where a scribe asked Jesus about the greatest commandment.
He responded with two: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
A neighbor can be anyone around us — whether they’re opponents, enemies, or even those who are facing difficult times.
It could be someone who shares uncomfortable truths about ourselves, which we might prefer not to hear.
Sometimes, what unsettles us is actually a gentle challenge from Jesus, inviting us to let go of what we cling to and open our hearts to the growth He desires for us.
Gospel Challenge:
Could Jesus gently encourage me to deepen my love for God and my neighbor by inviting me to sacrifice some personal time –
—time I could otherwise spend with Him, my family, or friends?
It might be helpful for me to consider how I can best balance my schedule to volunteer more in parish ministries or support other meaningful causes.
If you reach a point where you’re no longer willing to listen, pay close attention.
Jesus is speaking.
Avoid being like the crowd who, after a while, no longer dared to ask Him questions.
Find out where Jesus is leading you. Remember, you won’t be alone;
He will be with you, guiding and supporting you at every step.
How often our hearts burst with the heart of Jesus when we love Him and others more than ourselves!
Love Your Neighbor:
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
