As we return to our succession of "Ordinary Sundays" we will enjoy the Gospel of Matthew throughout the remainder of the Church year. This weekend we land in the 10th Chapter. Here, Jesus commissions the first disciples to go forth and carry on His ministry of Good News, of teaching, healing, forgiveness and New Life. He reminds the disciples that they will face difficulties, but that they should trust in God. He tells them, and us, that God knows everything -- there are no secrets in God's world. And besides knowing everything, He cares more than we can comprehend. He cares about every tiny detail of our lives -- "even the hairs on your head are counted!" So, let us take our part, in spite of today's troubles, and shout out the Good News, acknowledging our great God and sharing His abundant compassion.
If you are looking for more spiritual reading for summer, I suggest the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans. For the next three months, we will hear portions of this letter Sunday by Sunday, bit by bit. It is Paul's most comprehensive letter, filled with theology and spirituality. This is the only letter he writes to a specific community that he has not yet been part of, or the found of. He is on his way to Rome, likely for imprisonment and trial that would determine his fate. Still, he looks forward to meeting Christians there, and others. This letter is his way of introducing himself and his beliefs. The explanations and descriptions he offers are more comprehensive and detailed. This letter helps us understand Paul's thinking in several matters important to our faith. It also challenges us to delve more deeply into our understanding of the Lord's ways and our spiritual lives. What a wonderful summer refresher course!
Lord Jesus, I believe that You are truly present in the Eucharist. I love you above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot recieve You at the present time sacramentally, come into my heart. I embrace You and pray to unite myself completely to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Jesus, the Divine Physician, bless us at this time of need with Your healing and mercy.
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember the most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent. May we who have the flexibility to care for our children while schools are closed remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for quarantine at home remember those who have no home. During this time when we cannot wrap our arms around all those we care about find ways to share the loving embrace fo God with those we are able to reach. Jesus, the Divine Physician, bless us at this time of need with Your healing and mercy.
134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 • 814-834-4701
WeConnect | By LPi