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June 26, 2021Reflection for 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 27, 2021
(Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24): This passage recounts the pure and holy origins of mankind. The author observes that man was created in God’s image; good and wholesome, with the intent that man should enjoy eternal life in Heaven, with God. The author mourns that, through the envy and evil intent of the devil, sin and death entered the world. A good focus of reflection this week is that we were created with the purpose of enjoying eternal life with God, forever. God calls us to be inclined toward all that is good, holy and life-giving. As an additional focus of reflection this week, we might ask ourselves if we’re making decisions that bring us closer to God, readying us to enter the eternal life of Heaven. Let’s consider whether we, like Adam and Eve, are making decisions and engaging in actions that distance us from God and the life of grace and freedom that was intended for us. If we are walking away from God and the eternal life that has been offered to us, then we need to make some changes.
(Psalm 30: “I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.”): Today’s psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving to God for rescuing us and offering us, salvation and redemption. In the second stanza, the psalmist urges us to give thanks and praise to God. In the first reading in the book of Wisdom, it can be affirmed that this is our purpose; to love, worship, thank and praise God, eternally in Heaven. In our complicated world with all of its allurements and temptations, it’s easy to lose sight of the purpose for which we were created. If we attune ourselves more to our original purpose, we will find a peace and serenity which we haven’t known before. The final stanza of today’s psalm is a petition directly to God; asking for His mercy and help; afterward thanking and praising God for turning the psalmist’s sorrow into joy. We can enjoy the same forgiveness if we approach the Lord, humbly and repentantly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let’s ask ourselves how long it’s been since we’ve availed ourselves of the Sacrament of Confession. Let’s approach God, humbly and ask for forgiveness. Freedom from guilt and sin is a huge release and a terrific comfort! Believe in God’s mercy.
(2 Cor 8:7,9, and 13-15): Today, St. Paul is asking disciples of Jesus to share both spiritual and temporal treasures. He praises their generous sharing of their faith and their evangelization of others, but calls them to an even higher calling. Paul calls them and us to an even more complete and radical form of love that enables us to sacrifice all, with extravagant generosity. This generous love seeks to share both spiritual and temporal treasures in a kenosis, or self-emptying self-giving to nurture, serve and sustain others. This self-denying and holy love imitates our Lord’s own perfect love. Let’s pray to have that kind of love.
(Mark 5: 21-43): In today’s Gospel, Jairus approaches Jesus in the manner suggested by today’s other readings. He humbly requests help, while professing faith and trust that help will be given. The woman with the hemorrhage doesn’t ask, but she brings herself near enough to Jesus to touch Him. Thus, once again we’re told to make decisions that bring us closer to God so we can ask for help and be confident that help and healing will be given. Get close to merciful Jesus. Ask. And, believe! Miracles happen. Have faith!
Trustingly,
Deacon Matt
