Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 7, 2024

Ezek. 2:2-5:  Today, we observe God’s choice of the prophet, Ezekiel, to bring a message for the nation of Israel, calling for their return to obedience. The nation had turned from God. We’ve all heard the saying that when God chooses people for a special mission; he picks the weak and makes them strong. We certainly witness this, in this passage. The fact that God had to send the Holy Spirit into Ezekiel before he could even stand before God accentuates the point that we all must rely upon God to provide all of our needs, as we can’t supply them on our own. God promises to strengthen Ezekiel for the task requested of him. Let’s reflect this week that, in every mission or burden that God requests of us, God will, similarly provide strength for us. Meditating on that promise should fill us with hope and courage.
Psalm 123: “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.” This psalm also reflects God’s awesome power, superiority and dominion over us, but it also reminds us of God’s infinite mercy. Our total dependence upon God for forgiveness, redemption and salvation; including our most basic needs are alluded to. The psalmist, as spokesperson for the people, requests that the people be lifted up from enduring humiliation and abuse by those who are persecuting them.

Perhaps, we can spend some time this week, to reflect and pray in thanksgiving to God for the many times that our God has lifted us up and rescued us from various causes of suffering which we’ve endured throughout our lives. We depend upon God for many things in our lives. Have we cultivated within ourselves a spirit of gratitude? Let’s humbly offer our Creator glory and praise and thanks!

2 Cor. 12:7-10: As we focus on how God has delivered us from various times of suffering in our lives, do let us thank God for the “privilege” of being able to offer our suffering as a sacrifice of praise and repentance… for our own sins and for those of the whole world. This is referred to as “redemptive suffering;” wherein we offer up our burdens and all of our challenges for the spiritual consolation and welfare of other souls on earth and in Purgatory. We refer to these souls as “the Church Suffering;” while we refer to souls already in Heaven as “the Church Triumphant.” How wonderful it is that we can offer up our suffering as a spiritual gift to God, for the benefit of others and ourselves! As St. Paul attests today, God tests us with trials, only to strengthens us and raise us up! 

Mark 6:1-6:  As we see in today’s Gospel, Jesus wasn’t spared daily trials and humiliations by others, despite His divinity! It’s shocking to witness that those “nearest and dearest” to Jesus… His hometown family, friends and neighbors, could regard Him merely as “the carpenter’s son; and not as He truly is… the Son of God! 

We may feel outraged by this passage, but we can, upon reflection allow ourselves to be humbled. We can reflect upon the many times we’ve sinned. Let’s take time to recall and repent for the many times we’ve acted as if we don’t know Jesus or follow Him. Let’s admit our sins; the many times we’ve disappointed our Lord. Let’s avail ourselves more often of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Confessional is truly a place where our Lord transforms our weakness to make us strong! Come, Lord!  

Forgive our sins! 
 
Deacon Matt