Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 3, 2022
 
Isaiah 66:10-14c: As you read this passage about rejoicing over Jerusalem’s prosperity, reflect that the history of Jerusalem, just like all of our individual lives is a mixture of joys and sufferings. Throughout Jerusalem’s history and our personal life journeys, we experience times of sickness and health, suffering and healing, poverty and abundance. Despite whatever suffering or challenges we have in our lives right now, we can always rejoice and exult in and enjoy God’s loving mercy and attentively intimate care over us. While we may, at times, have to endure poverty, suffering and want, God’s love for us is ever in abundance and is a consolation we can constantly praise Him and rejoice over, now and throughout eternity! Do celebrate and give thanks to God for His Love, every day!

Psalm 66: “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy” Today’s psalm demonstrates a perfect example of how to rejoice in God’s Presence and celebrate God’s goodness and overwhelming generosity and provisions for us. The psalmist calls us to sing praise to God and to proclaim His glorious praise. In her writings, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity invites us, like her, to become “a praise of (God’s) glory;” such that giving glory and praise to God is seen as our central mission, purpose and goal, both in this life and throughout eternity. What a lovely thought to ponder: how we might become a more perfect and complete “praise of God’s glory!”
In addition to praising God, the psalmist invites us to become more cognizant and aware of the works of God and God’s marvelous deeds. Miracles have been wrought by God since the beginning of time. Research them and reflect on them; such as the posters describing Eucharistic miracles which were placed in the basilica last week. Read, learn and rejoice!

Galatians 6:14-18:  In this passage, Paul states that he will only “boast” in the Cross of Jesus, through which Paul and other disciples had joined Jesus and one another as one suffering Body: (the Christian Church). Paul’s use of the word, “boast,” does not mean “bragging,” but something more like rejoicing and exulting in suffering for the faith. To “boast” in our suffering for the Kingdom of God is not a self-glorification, but a glorification of God and a holy prayer. Without directly saying so, Paul is describing becoming “a praise of God’s glory,” as we’ve reflected on in today’s psalm and passage from Isaiah. If, as Paul prayed; “the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with our spirits;” then we shall truly become vessels of glory and praise to our God, forever!

Luke 10:1-12,17-20:  In today’s Gospel, Jesus appoints 72 other missionary disciples to spread the Good News about the coming of the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on this, each of these 72 disciples and each person they evangelize “adds to the Light of the Church.” Each converted and confirmed Christian becomes, themselves, a “praise of God’s glory,” via their loving ministries of serving others and proclaiming the faith to them. Jesus offers practical directions for how to be most effective and persuasive missionaries. Jesus instructs them not to carry money, sacks of supplies or sandals. Jesus is telling them that, by doing this, the disciples are giving the example of relying on God and on God’s love and generosity that lies in God’s people. God’s Love, in God’s generous people, gives us something entirely new to ponder this week. How are God’s  Love and generosity being shown in our lives?

Contemplatively,
Deacon Matt