One another, Sunday10B

June 09, 2024

Genesis 3:9-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

To the God of kindness and forgiveness, to the Father who redeems us through the Son, let us confidently offer our prayers:

That our Church and parish may be a place of forgiveness and reconciliation for all: let us pray to the Lord.

That those who bring the good news of Christ to others through the ministries of teaching and healing may be received with welcome and joy: let us pray to the Lord.

That the nations and peoples of the world may be united in their common pursuit of God’s justice and peace: let us pray to the Lord.

That families in crisis may find new joy and love in their life together through the healing presence of Christ: let us pray to the lord.

That those mired in grief, despair, or addiction may, with our help and support, be raised up to joy, purpose, and hope: let us pray to the Lord.

That those who have died in the peace of Christ [especially _________], may live forever in the dwelling place of God: let us pray to the Lord.

That God will hear the prayers we now offer in the silence of our hearts [Pause...]: let us pray to the Lord.

O Lord, may the prayers we offer with one voice make us one in heart and spirit as well. Grant these prayers which we make to you in the name of Christ Jesus, the Lord.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ax, June 9). Tenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060924.cfm

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

The Word today, W10B

June 10 - June 15, 2024

Monday 10 June

St Ephraim, deacon and doctor

Kings 17:1-6 Our story is the first of three “testing's” of Elijah. In itself, the story is slight enough but Elijah was highly significant right up to the time of Jesus. As a result, some stories about Jesus ought to be read in the light of Elijah traditions.

Matthew 5:1-12 Even non-religious people are attracted by the vision and ideals of the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes make a great opening to the Sermon—after all, who does not want to be happy? And yet, the path to happiness is highly paradoxical, right from the very start. We know this is true to our experience, but often we do not recall such wisdom.

Tuesday 11 June

St Barnabas, apostle

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3 Barnabas is appropriately mentioned in today’s reading from the Acts. He was a close collaborator of Paul, until they had a major row and separated (Acts 15:39).

Matthew 5:1-12 Even non-religious people are attracted by the vision and ideals of the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes make a great opening to the Sermon—after all, who does not want to be happy? And yet, the path to happiness is highly paradoxical, right from the very start. We know this is true to our experience, but often we do not recall such wisdom.

Wednesday 12 June

1 Kings 18:20-39 Our reading today is a contest between idolatry and the worship of the one true God. Here we have a drama, with inherently comic aspects. It is, therefore, to be enjoyed and should be read aloud as such. For us today, with our many idolatries, the reading invites us to recognize that “the Lord is God.” The responsorial psalm picks up the same theme and enriches it.

Matthew 5:17-19 The first Christians were greatly exercised by one question: how much of the previous religious tradition should be retained and how much of it loses its importance in light of Christ. Paul is very liberal. Matthew—rather more traditional—seems to rein in such Pauline freedom. In Matthew’s mind, however, Jesus brings the law to completion (lit. fulfilment, an eschatological term). This takes us beyond mere repetition or observance to a new, radical view illustrated in the next verses.

Thursday 13 June

St Anthony of Padua, priest, doctor

1 Kings 18:41-46 Our reading follows on yesterday’s and shows Elijah at the height of his powers, ending the drought. The last verse— Elijah as marathon runner—sustains the reputation of the prophet.

Matthew 5:20-26 Matthew’s Gospel is highly realistic when it comes to human behavior. For him, both forgiveness and reconciliation stand at the heart of discipleship.

Friday 14 June

St Davnet, virgin

1 Kings 19:9, 11-16 Today’s account is a favourite of many people on account of one line: “the sound of a gentle breeze.” The NRSV translation is more poetic and more paradoxical: “and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.”

Matthew 5:27-32 We hear today Jesus’ sharpening of the Law, moving from external acts to the internal movement of the heart.

Saturday 15 June

1 Kings 19:19-21 This extraordinary scene is worth reading for itself and for its use in the Gospel. For itself: it looks forward to the time when Elijah will be dead and establishes Elisha as his prophetic heir. For its use in Luke’s Gospel: Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Matthew 5:33-37 Our Gospel continues Jesus’ radicalization of the ethical behaviour. The last line should speak to any culture of equivocation, where yes doesn’t always mean yes and no doesn’t always mean no!

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ax, June 9). Tenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060924.cfm

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

SOCL, Sunday10B

Sunday June 09, 2024

Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.

See

In our time, those who “persist” in religious faith can seem to outsiders “beside themselves.” The question needs to be asked: who is more sane, those who say life has a deep purpose and meaning and those who evidently content themselves with a “this world only” view. The apparently more rational view is ultimately irrational, in the literal sense that life has finally no reason, no ratio. By contrast, for the believer, behind the gift of creation stands a Giver. Within the gift of love, we come to know the Lover. As we gain and lose in life, finally nothing is ever truly lost. Faith is ultimately wholesome and utterly sane.

Listen

Genesis 3:9-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

Reflect

(Mark 3:20-35)

-It can be the case that within the family of the faith a deeper and more personal conversation is possible than with our blood relatives. Even with relative strangers, it is possible to reach a deep level quickly on account of the shared experience and worldview.

-To be divided against ourselves / myself is both common and destructive. Like Paul in Romans 7, we all know this sense of being pulled in different directions. Consistent choosing of the good will eventually shape within us an orientation towards God and his will.

-A strong sense of tradition (good in self) can blind us to both the necessary and the new. Those “from Jerusalem”, meaning people in leadership, are at special risk. Remember: And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins. (Mark 2:22)

Pray

God our redeemer, in Jesus your promised Messiah, you crushed the power of Satan. Sustain your Church in the struggle again evil, that, hearing your word and doing your will, we may be fashioned into a household of true disciples who share in the victory of the cross. Grant this 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.

Act

-Reflect on Purpose: Spend a few minutes daily contemplating the deeper meaning behind your actions and experiences to foster motivation and fulfillment.

-Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge and express thanks for daily blessings to enhance appreciation and positivity.

-Balance Gains and Losses: View challenges and losses as growth opportunities, maintaining peace and equanimity through life's changes.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ax, June 9). Tenth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060924.cfm

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