Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 2, 2023
 
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a:  This passage contrasts with many others, in which prophets or bearers of God’s messages are received with ambivalence or open hostility. In this interesting story, the “woman of influence” receives Elisha, the prophet, with thoughtful and generous hospitality. Unlike many others, who are spiritually blind, she recognizes Elisha as a “holy man of God.” The woman’s recognition of Elisha’s holiness suggests a spiritual awareness that many lack. Let’s contemplate this week the importance of “spiritual awareness and watchfulness” and pray that the Holy Spirit will fill all of us with wisdom and prudence regarding spiritual people and issues among us. May we learn to accurately discern what and whom is holy, from what and whom is evil or dangerous. Lord, give us sound judgment!

Psalm 89: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” At our baptisms, we’re all called to minister as “priest, prophet and king.” This psalm celebrates our calling to share the prophetic “Good News” of our God’s faithfulness to His Covenant with us and His evolving plan for our Salvation.  The part of the psalm that we read today celebrates God’s steadfast love and eternal loyalty to all of His people. We would do well to contemplate, with the psalmist, God’s eternal kindness, wisdom and justice. When the psalmist proclaims as blessed, “those who walk in the light of (God’s) countenance;” he or she is extolling the spiritual rewards of peace and wisdom that come from obedience and adherence to God’s Commands. A definite “Light of Wisdom” does, indeed, come from living a holy life! Furthermore, when we walk in God’s ways, we are afforded various protections from God that aren’t in evidence for the disobedient. With obedience to God; there comes a unique serenity and peace.

Romans 6:3-4, 8-11:  Today, St. Paul proclaims the intimate relationship we enjoy with Jesus via our “baptism into both His death and Resurrection.” This reading echoes other passages that proclaim that, via baptism, in Jesus’ Name, we become heirs to eternal life. Thus, we’re mystically united with Jesus; both in the sufferings of His Passion and in the triumphs of His new life, after His Resurrection.
In our “participation” in Jesus’ death, we can offer our sufferings during earthly life, in union with Jesus’ own sufferings on the Cross. Thus, we learn, in a unique way, the redemptive value of suffering, offered as a sacrifice of praise. When we are “buried with Jesus,” (united in suffering with Him), we also are united with Him in the faith and triumphant joy of Jesus’ Resurrection. Obedience to God’s Will and walking in God’s ways disposes us to experience consolations that we might otherwise miss.

Matt 10:37-42:  In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that love of God is our first priority. It’s for this purpose that we were created. Love and praise of God and sharing eternal life with God are the reasons why our God created us. For this reason, we rejoice this weekend! Jesus assures us that those who love, fully and in a spirit of sacrifice will enjoy unimaginable eternal rewards. Jesus is extending to us, a persuasive invitation to give up all, in order to have and “enjoy all;” (the most transcendent state of eternal joy, love and peace). 
Notice that Jesus also links us, intimately spiritually to one another. Jesus tells us that when we minister to one another; it’s as if we were serving and caring for Him. We’re all connected, in a web of love! Contemplate that!

Dreamily,
 
Deacon Matt