FranciscanMedia.org | Sharing the Word

Listen to Today's Homily

Sharing the Word is a daily 90-second radio homily by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, based on the weekday Mass readings. Sharing the Word is a companion to the Sunday Soundbite,and is also heard on Catholic radio stations around the country.

Program for Tuesday, October 02, 2012 (Guardian Angels)
No matter how great the temptation, we need to imitate Jesus and not the apostles.

Windows Media | MP3 | RSS

Sharing the Word Archive

Today's Reading

Matt. 18:1-5, 10

Jesus says no to calling down fire and brimstone when the apostles want to punish the inhospitable Samaritans. First, it’s not in accord with Jesus’ gospel of love and forgiveness. Moreover, its implicit finality makes it appropriate for God alone.

But the finality of seeking annihilation for those who are hostile to us is precisely what makes it attractive. “No more trouble need be expected from that quarter.”

But God isn’t that way. He is patient, longsuffering, forgiving. And He expects us to be the same.

No matter how great the temptation to call down fire from heaven--or issue the stinging retort, or terminate an association, or turn off individuals or groups--we need to be careful to imitate Jesus and not the apostles.

Meet Archbishop Pilarczyk

Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, the eighth ordinary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a nationally prominent churchman, educator and author. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he was ordained a priest on December 20, 1959, after studies in Rome. He was ordained bishop in 1974 and installed as Archbishop of Cincinnati in 1982, where he served until his retirement in 2009. In addition to a doctorate in sacred theology from Pontifical Urban University, he holds an M.A. in classics from Xavier University in Cincinnati and a Ph.D. in classics from the University of Cincinnati. He has written more than a dozen popular books and many pamphlets and articles. His best-selling book is Twelve Tough Issues – And More. His most recent books are When God Speaks and Live Letters. The archbishop’s service to the American church includes terms as vice president (1986-1989) and president (1989-1992) of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Connect With Us

Partner With Us

Franciscan Media and Franciscan Media Productions exist to "Share the Word that is Jesus Christ." We invite you to join in our efforts through prayerful support and financial donation. Click here to make a donation.