From the Deacon's Desk

by Deacon Rick Wagner

Deacon Rick Wagner was ordained on June 23, 2012 and currently serves his home parish of St. Pius X in Indianapolis, IN. He has been married to his wife, Carol, for 42 years and they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.

Deacon Rick has been involved in Catholic education for 40+ years and currently serves as President of St. Theodore Guerin High School, a workshop instructor for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, and a retreat leader.

He has also authored three books: Remember What’s Important (2011), Fifty Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2016), and Fifty MORE Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2024).

Have a question or comment for Deacon Rick? Feel free to contact him at rwagner@spxparish.org

Deny Ourselves

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:22-25)

DENY OURSELVES: Jesus is not about immediate gratification or short term fixes. He isn’t just selling what you need to get by that day. He is offering eternal life. He is pushing short-term sacrifice and hardship in exchange for a place with him in Paradise.

It’s not for everyone. Some who heard about Jesus came to listen to His message. The self-denial and cross-carrying argument simply did not appeal to them…and they walked away.

Will we?


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