Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jer 20:10-13, Rom 5:12-15, Mt 10:26-33

06-25-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: When I was in middle school, I came upon a group of students who had singled out another student, accusing her of some pretty rotten things. The Lord must have helped me to be brave that day because I decided to step in and defend her. Thankfully, calling them out on their cruelty was enough to fend them off. Thank God for his presence and aid in that moment! In the first reading today, Jeremiah tells of his experience of being betrayed and accused: “All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. ‘Perhaps he will be trapped [they say]; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.’” But Jeremiah does not lose heart, saying also, “the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” And Jesus’ words in the Gospel echo the resolve of Jeremiah when he says: “Fear no one … What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light … And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” It seems pretty clear, then, that our job is to bring the Good News of Jesus into the world whenever we can and let his light shine forth by our words and actions. We are commissioned to be warriors for Christ who should not fear injury but rather call upon him in our need and trust in his goodness and mercy to render aid.

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Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Ex 19:2-6a, Rom 5:6-11, Mt 9:36–10:8

06-18-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: As a teenager, I was someone you might call “Suzy high school.” I played sports, was president of my class, had many friends, etc. But there were times I made some bad choices and ended up having to face my parents with the truth. I remember being afraid of what they would think, even wondering if my actions would make them love me less. Thankfully, I was blessed with incredible parents whose loving lessons throughout my life pointed me toward our Father’s love. St. Paul gives us a glimpse of how deep the love of our Father is in the second reading: “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” God loves us so completely that even before we approach him to ask for forgiveness, his arms are open wide. Look up at the cross and let that abundant, unending love wash over you. Reflect on what is said in the first reading from the Book of Exodus: “Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine.”

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Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ - Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a 1 Cor 10:16-17 Jn 6:51-58

06-11-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the true, real, and substantial presence of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. As Catholics, we know that the Eucharist is not simply symbolic, but is in fact the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ who rose from the dead. Our readings remind us of this. In the Gospel Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh … I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Although Jesus’ words were very difficult for his disciples at the time to understand, we know that the bread and wine that become the body and blood of Jesus satisfy our deepest hunger. This spiritual food is actually an encounter with God through his Son, Jesus. It is a blessing that the Church provides us. Let us celebrate on this solemnity by giving thanks, which is what eucharist means!

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Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9; Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18

06-04-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: Last Sunday the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost: the birth- day of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the world. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, giving adoration and glory to the three divine persons in our one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit three In unity, or Triune. in the Gospel we heard, John tells us: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son." If you're going to write one Bible verse on piece of cardboard and hold it up at football game, this is It! John 3:16 encapsulates Christian belief: We are loved by the Father beyond measure, and that love Is incarnated takes human flesh in the divine person of his Son. But there is something deeper within this verse that comes to light much later in the Gospel: Jesus revealed that when he, the Son, returned to the Father, he would not leave us alone. (Jn 14: 26-28)Instead, the Holy Spirit came to be with us and remain with us. This is our God whom we celebrate and give thanks to: one in being, three in person. His love is unceasing and his Spirit dwells within and among us to guide us, advocate for us, and draw us ever closer to himself in that love.

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