https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012125.cfm
Push Them Back, Way Back
Moods change all the time. Sometimes, when I am at a stoplight or coming off the expressway, I see someone with a sign that reads “Hungry” or “Need Help.” Maybe you are like me. How do you feel when you see someone begging while you are driving?
Jesus was walking with His disciples through a grain field, and they were hungry, so they started to pick the heads of grain on the Sabaoth. The Pharisees said, “Look, they are breaking the Sabaoth.” Every age has hungry people.
Some city ordinances stop people from collecting money on street corners and express ramps for various reasons. Whatever our mood or stand on this issue is, there is a bigger picture.
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of St. Petersburg took a massive step to help the homeless recover. For over 18 years, our parishioners have been preparing and serving over 200 meals every Friday at Pinellas Hope in St. Petersburg. We also cook a great breakfast for them on the first Saturday of every month.
Gospel Challenge:
Society has many opportunities to make a difference in other people’s lives who can no longer make ends meet. Why not pick some grain for someone hungry or down on their luck?
Catholic Charities has a variety of services, and one of them may interest you. Give them a call at (727) 893-1314. It can be not just exciting but also deeply fulfilling to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Also, I pray for the success of the Catholic Ministry Appeal of our Diocese, which provides financial support for these services. One hundred percent of donations go to charity.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Our collective prayers can bring comfort and strength to those in need. 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, I.C.
