One another, Sunday16B

July 21, 2024

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23 (22); Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

Let us now lift our spirits and voices in prayer to the Lord, our Shepherd and Teacher:

For our Church and parish community, that we may be a gathering place for the “remnant” from all lands and peoples: let us pray to the Lord.

For Pope N., Bishop N., Father N., for our bishops, priests, and ministers, and for all who serve the Church, that they may shepherd the people of God with faithfulness and compassion: let us pray to the Lord.

For our President and governor and for all legislators and judges, that their government service may advance the causes of peace and justice: let us pray to the Lord.

For families and households, that the barriers of anger and division may be broken down through understanding and forgiveness: let us pray to the lord.

For the poor, the oppressed, and the broker that, through our compassionate help, their fear and anguish may be transformed: let us pray to the Lord.

For our deceased relatives and friends [especially _________], that they may dwell forever in the house of Christ: let us pray to the Lord.

For the prayers we now make in the silence of our hearts [Pause...]: let us pray to the Lord.

Lord God, hear the prayers we offer to you for our Church and our human family. May our community become a place of prayer that refreshes and sustains us may our ministers be places where your love and justice are reverse may our table be a place of welcome and nourishment for all We make these prayers in the name of your Son.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024bd, July 21). Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072124.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.

The Word today, W16B

July 22 - July 27, 2024

Monday 22 July

St Mary Magdalene

Song of Songs 3:1-4 The Song of Songs unfolds as a series of love poems, serious and playful. These include what we may call quest stories or reflections on seeking the beloved. Our reading, beautiful in itself, makes for a great introduction to today’s Gospel.

John 20:1-2, 11-18 The Fourth Gospel has many “quest” stories, none more powerful than the quest of Mary Magdalen for the risen Lord. The words used mark a significant shift in this Gospel. The opening question of Jesus in this Gospel—“What are you looking for?” (John 1:38)—becomes “Whom are you looking for?” (John 20:15) We proclaim a person and not simply a doctrine.

Tuesday 23 July

St Bridget of Sweden, patroness of Europe

Galatians 2:19-20 The reading is chosen for feast of St Brigid, who had mystical experiences. A more accurate translation of the reading would be as follows: For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:19–20)

John 15:1-8 The discourse of the vine invites us all to recognized ourselves as the branches, all recipients of the grace of Christ.

Wednesday 24 July

St Charbel Makhlouf, priest; St Declan, bishop

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10 Today, we hear the well remembered story of the call of Jeremiah. Clearly, it was an overwhelming experience, which made him feel unworthy. He went on to become a truly great prophet, proclaiming God’s word before and during the Exile.

Matthew 13:1-9 The parable of the sower is heard in two version, the original parable and a later church interpretation. It might be helpful to set consciously aside the later reading and just hear it today for its own sake. Like all the original parables it is about the kingdom, a kingdom of humble beginnings leading to astonishing growth.

Thursday 25 July

St James, apostle

2 Corinthians 4:7-15 The reading is special for the feast. The Corinthians blew cold and hot when it came to St Paul. Once more, in this reading he defends himself, and reveals something of the inner motivation, the inner person, his sense of apostleship.

Matthew 20:20-28 Again especially chosen for the feast, this reading tells a familiar and instructive tale with one interesting difference. In Mark, it is James and John who make the blunder. In Matthew, to spare the blushes of the emerging leadership, this “role” is assigned to their mother! In any case, the message is untouched: leadership in the faith community is costly service, modelled on Jesus’ own service.

Friday 26 July

Sts Joachim and Anne, parents of the BVM

Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Our reading is full of pathos. God himself tells the story of his choice of Israel, in very poetic language. At the same time, God’s expresses his consternation at the ways things have turned out. It is all expressed in a very human way, but a deep truth stands at the heart of it all.

Matthew 13:10-17 Our reading is a challenge to us to listen and to see, so that we may grasp fully the message of Jesus.

Saturday 27 July

Jeremiah 7:1-11 A tough speech from Jeremiah, calling on people not to delude themselves with false assurances of piety. And yet…God will stay with them.

Matthew 13:24-30 The parable may well be directed to Matthew’s church at the time of writing. In a community commanded to perfection, the temptation to expel the less than perfect may have been strong. The message here is that it is none your business…who knows how people may change and grow?

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024bd, July 21). Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072124.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Sunday16B

Sunday July 21, 2024

Jesus said: “Come away to a deserted place and rest a while”

See

Our distraction-driven society values constant busyness, equating it with the modern concept of "activism." This mindset often leads us to believe that being perpetually occupied is synonymous with productivity. However, it is crucial to recognize that mistaking hyperactivity for productivity is an illusion. True productivity involves focused actions that contribute to long-term goals and personal growth, rather than merely filling time with activities. In our quest to stay busy, we may overlook the importance of rest and reflection, leading to burnout and diminished fulfillment. This is particularly evident in ministry, where administrative duties can overshadow the core mission of serving others. Taking time for rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step to recharge. Despite endless tasks, we must choose how to allocate our time wisely, prioritizing activities that align with our values and long-term objectives.

Listen

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23 (22); Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

Reflect

(Mark 6:30-34)

-The apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught. Perhaps you have had the experience of being able to check in with somebody and share an experience. What was that like for you?

-Jesus saw that the apostles needed to rest and eat. What has been your experience of finding a restful place after a busy day? What kind of nourishment have you found necessary in order to live with energy and enthusiasm? What have these insights taught you about life?

-When Jesus saw the crowd, he recognized their need and reached out to them. Who has been a Jesus person for you, someone who recognized your need and reached out to you? For whom have you been a Jesus person in that way?

-It sometimes can be difficult to strike a balance between responding to the needs of others and meeting our need for rest and nourishment. What has helped you to keep the balance right?

Pray

Compassionate God, from far and near you gather your Church into one. Safeguard the unity of your flock through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd that all your scattered children may find in him the guidance and nourishment that they seek. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

References