Sunday Reflections

“And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came out and called to him….” Matthew is clear in identifying this woman as a Canaanite. Remember, these were the people who inhabited the Promised Land as Israel crossed the Jordan River under the leadership of Joshua. They were the people who stood in the way of their promised future. They were the ones who Israel was called to dispossess. They were the hated enemies of Israel.

“We have all taken steps out in faith” (Margaret Bick, Living With Christ commentary in the missalette) and found out that Faith was enough; at our core, we know God is with us.

The multiplication of the loaves and fishes reminds us that Jesus can make something out of nothing.  As God-made-man He had the power to multiply these elements to feed the multitude of people who had followed him to a deserted place, and now were experiencing hunger.  Perhaps sometimes we too feel like we have nothing to offer, only a few loaves and fishes (for so many).  However, through the blessing of God and His grace we can use well that which we have and are – whether we think it is a little or a lot – and offer it in gratitude to Him, and to share with others. 

Something amazing happens in our first reading (1 Kings 3:5-12++)!

As I write this, I am in the earlier part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere where the Pandemic continues its devastation; this pandemic is devastating the whole word!  A really good introduction to this Sunday’s Mass celebration can be found in the missalette, Living with Christ (July 2020), and in the Sunday Missal 2019-2020, both put out by Novalis.  The reflection is written by Father Mark Miller, C.Ss.R.

Jesus used images in His parables that were universal and eternal, that speak to all people at all times.  The parable of the sower is a rich one, and reminds us that we are to bear fruit of the kingdom of God.  We can probably all relate to the four ambiances that Jesus introduces in the parable.  There may have been times in our lives that we were that seed, in that environment.  We know that we did not grow and develop in our life with God.  We know that the Word and the grace of God may have been temporarily wasted on us at that time.  Naturally, Jesus is c

Jesus’ criticism of the religious authorities for laying heavy burdens upon the people (Mt 23:4) “without lifting a finger to help them,” provides the contrast for our Gospel reading today. In the time of Matthew’s predominantly Jewish community, people are being faced with a choice of following the religious authorities and their rigorous interpretation of the Law, or of following Jesus who offers them “rest.” This “rest” is not the absence of work or activity.

Those who do not take up their cross and follow me cannot be my disciples (Mt. 10: 38).  This is quite a strong statement made by Jesus.  He was not trying to minimalize or trivialize the demands necessary to be his followers. We are invited to say “yes” or we also have the freedom to say “no.”  There is no “in between.”

The biblical emphasis in all our Liturgies is on “us/we” and not on “I/me.” See today’s Entrance Antiphon that uses “people” twice and “heritage” as a reference to the people; see also the expression, “the eyes of all”, in the Communion Antiphon.  Theologically, the People of God is the plural form that includes all of us before the beautiful face of God.  In our present society and culture, the emphasis is on “I” and “me” and our importance whereas before God “we” and “us” constitute the family of God.

I have been in Tanzania for about 11 months now. One of the most striking aspects of the people is their genuine hospitality. The greeting in Swahili of “Karibu” (“welcome”) is constantly among the first phrases that people speak when they see me. But, it is not just the words, but the actions of people that speak volumes. I have been welcomed into simple dwellings and have been served food and drink that is dearly secured for their own existence. I have been hesitant to take the little that people have, but to refuse would be an insult to their gracious generosity and hospitality.