Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

INTRODUCTION

A great Polish poet, Edward Stachura, wrote these words in one of his works:

“Like a journey is the life of a human…”

Our life is not just an ordinary journey — it is our pilgrimage to Heaven.

It began here on earth, the moment we were born.

Each moment we live is a moment that truly “counts” — a moment preparing us for our final destination.

Our life is our pilgrimage… and Heaven is our destination.

HOMILY

Today’s homily will be brief, as this weekend is our Mission Co-op appeal.

Unfortunately, Fr. Frank Pizzarelli cannot be with us this evening, but we are blessed to have _____________, who will share a few words with us in just a few minutes.

_____________

There is a saying:

“The world — or life — is a bridge; pass over it… but build no houses upon it.”

The Gospel today invites us to look at our life — and at everything around us — in the light of our true and eternal home in Heaven.

We are all… only pilgrims here on earth.

On Thursday, in Great Meadows, New Jersey, the annual Walking Pilgrimage began.

It takes four days of walking to reach the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania — four days without the comfort of a cozy bed… a warm shower… and other daily conveniences.

The pilgrims carry only what is necessary; taking too much would only make the journey heavier… and more difficult. Why?

This coming week, one of our parishioners will begin his own pilgrimage — from the south of France… all the way to the Shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

It is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world, where, for centuries, countless pilgrims have walked.

His journey will take about six weeks, covering more than 450 miles — days without comfort, without control, facing uncertain weather, walking with blisters on his feet… all while carrying only his backpack.

If he carried more… the extra weight could slow him down… or even keep him from reaching his goal. Why?

Because these pilgrimages are an image of what we experience each day: aiming for something… pressing toward a goal.

God did not make us like robots… nor does He want us to live as if we were.

He placed in our hearts a deep longing — a space… like a vacuum — that draws in everything that seems to promise happiness.

So we search…

But so often… what we find does not satisfy.

There is no person on earth whose heart is not seeking happiness… peace… joy… and fulfillment.

What are you seeking?

Do you seek power?

Fame?

Money?

Pleasure?

We have an Augustinian Pope, so let us quote the Patron of his Order, Saint Augustine, who in his Confessions wrote:

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord… and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

We do not need to participate in a formal pilgrimage — although it can be very helpful — to discover our attachments, our comforts, and how our problems and frustrations are, in the light of eternity… meaningless.

One of the optional prayers at Mass says:

“Grant also to us, when our earthly pilgrimage is done, that we may come to an eternal dwelling place and live with You forever; there, in communion with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and with all the Saints.”

We are a pilgrim people — meant for Heaven.

And Jesus reminds us today that one day… there will be the end of this pilgrimage.

Our task is simply to keep walking… in the right direction… detaching ourselves from anything that slows us down.