The goodness of the Lord is all around,
Perhaps at times allusive,
But nonetheless present,
And waiting to be counted.
The goodness of the Lord is all around,
Despite all the distractions,
Noise and blurry vision,
Or moments looking past it.
The goodness of the Lord is all around,
Everywhere and anywhere, I go.
No chaos, nor destruction,
Ever, can surpass it.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the stalwart one who takes refuge in the Lord. – Psalm 34:9
As a young person, August was synonymous with some last hurrahs and the winding down of what we considered summer; the passage of time between the ending of one school year and the beginning of another. The readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time offer an opportunity to consider more deeply, where God is in the in-between moments.
In the First Reading (Ex 16:2-4, 12-15), the Israelites are in between leaving Egypt and arriving to the Promised Land. They express feeling even more destitute than they did as slaves, complaining about the lack of provisions.
“Would that we had died at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt,
as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!
But you had to lead us into this desert
to make the whole community die of famine!” – The Israelites to Moses and Aaron, Ex 16:3
Oftentimes, the in-between moments can feel worse than the known moments that precede or follow them. God is aware of the complaints of the people as well as the position that Moses and Aaron are in, and God responds by meeting all of their needs (those of the people as well as Moses and Aaron), and thus helping them to hang on and continue the journey. How do you express your needs in prayer? And how has God provided for you in times when perhaps you felt like you couldn’t take more of whatever you may have been experiencing or felt stuck in between?
Looking to the Psalm (Ps 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54), we are called to remember and to share the stories of God’s faithfulness.
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
We will declare to the generation to come
the glorious deeds of the Lord and his strength
and the wonders that he wrought. – v. 3-4
It is our belief in God and our experiences of the Divine which strengthen and increase our faith. By recalling and sharing these experiences, we not only help to pass along faith and tradition, but also to build awareness and gratitude in ourselves and of those who journey alongside us, in terms of the personal ways in which God works, and the depth of God’s care and love for creation.
The response for the psalm is, “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” (v. 24b). The people did not know what manna was and it is described as “fine flakes on the ground” (Ex 16:15). Take some time to reflect on what has been your bread from heaven—ways in which God has provided for you that perhaps you didn’t initially recognize, or were unexpected and/or different from what you thought you needed.
In the Second Reading (Eph 4:17,20-24), St. Paul exhorts the people:
“you must no longer live as the Gentiles do,
in the futility of their minds;” – v. 17
This is a key component to faith. That is the fact that, along the way in seeking to find and fulfill one’s purpose, human reasoning alone is not enough. For the human mind alone, cannot fully comprehend or discern what is best. The only way, as St. Paul says is to be renewed in Christ:
“…be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.” (v. 23-24)
Recall a time when you felt stuck or challenged by a situation. What happened and how did your faith come into play? How might you be renewed in Christ regarding a situation you’re facing now?
Turning to the Gospel for the 18th Week in Ordinary Time (Jn 6:24-35), we are told about the crowds going out to find Jesus when they realize he is no longer in their midst. They end up finding him across the sea, and Jesus says to them:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
you are looking for me not because you saw signs
but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” – v. 26-27
Jesus is referring to the crowd’s experience of eating their fill when he multiplied the loaves of bread and fish (Jn 6:1-15) and calling them, and us, to consider, or examine, what satisfies us, what is it that we are seeking, and to what lengths or degree do we go (or have we gone) to find or obtain it. Take some time to consider this in the light of what is currently going on in your life and in the world. What are you seeking and to what extent? How does this differ from or fit in with the past? How is God present to you in this process, and what comes to mind when thinking about it as an in-between moment?
Love is the bridge between you and everything. – Rumi
Planning,
And packing.
Considering all things.
What’s known,
And what is not.
Calculating possibilities.
Looking then leaping,
A snapshot in time.
Measuring risk, and seeking reward.
Guarantees,
Warranties,
Yet, nothing is certain.
The seeker being sought,
The Sought, searching seekers.
Meeting up, teeing up,
And, finding what is lost.
“…to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace…” – Ephesians 4:1-3
We move forward,
One step at a time,
Despite what may appear.
We move forward,
Sometimes quick and others slow,
But nonetheless, forward we go.
Sometimes we go solo,
As if all on our own,
Although we’re not alone.
Intuition to guide us,
Wisdom and Hope to lead us,
Grace around and within us.
We move forward,
One step at a time,
Despite what may appear.
We move forward,
From our stumbling we rise,
Learning from what’s passed.
The road, although it varies,
Up and down, and side to side,
With Providence, always,
We move forward.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Psalm 23:1
Aiming for the top,
Reaching for the stars,
Bold as we go,
As if made of gold.
Among the points to be made
And the ones we make,
There are lines, some crossed,
And principles, some cradled.
Things change on the way,
They mix and get muddled.
There are many twists,
Both angles and curves.
Darkness creeping in,
Tit for tat, or so,
But Light battles back,
As only it can.
An impasse, stalemate,
Or so it appears.
Seeking what is good,
Searching for justice.
Remember, recall?
Many kinds and ways,
People. One story,
We share God’s Glory.
Lord, show us your mercy and grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:8
In the Gospel for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 6:1-6), as Jesus is teaching in the synagogue in Nazareth (his hometown), the people there are rather cynical due to their preconceived notions about what someone teaching with authority needs to be or look like, or where they need to come from. This is nothing new though. A common misstep of humankind throughout history has often been allowing for the appearance of strength, status, or other superficial measures to supersede the things that really matter, such as substance.
In this Gospel passage, we learn that Jesus couldn’t do much in Nazareth. It is written of Jesus, “He was amazed by their lack of faith.” What do you think is meant by that? What do you think made the people so closed off to Jesus, his approach, and what he was trying to teach them?
Whatever it was, there was a lack of openness to the Spirit of God exuding from Jesus. Perhaps the people couldn’t accept his words as truth or take to heart and ponder them, because they challenged them to consider things differently. However, with God, relationships are all about being mutual. And so, Jesus works with those in Nazareth who are open to the Spirit, and then moves on to places where the people are more open to him and the Way. Nothing is forced upon the Nazoreans, or those who disagree, and as always, Jesus models an example of respecting free will and trusting his Father to be the ultimate judge and decider of their fate. Anything else would lead to Jesus putting himself over God and would lead to further division and chaos.
Jesus can see this, but most of the people in the synagogue are too caught up in their own ideas and ideologies to notice the substance of Jesus’s teaching. Perhaps they recognize that it’s more than just another day in the synagogue, but their faith has shifted into a fixed version of the way things ought to be based on what they can wrap their minds around, rather than remaining fixed on God and, therefore, flexible to receive the Spirit’s guidance toward what may be new and different but is still of God.
When one comes to expect, or demands, the same of every day or has become self-centered and self-preserving above all else, faith becomes stagnant and fixed, for with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, there’s always something happening for the good of all, there is breadth and depth, there is newness and life… there is acceptance, and it is always more than just another day.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:10
In the Gospel passage for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus’s disciples reach out to him as the boat they are in is taking on water in the middle of a storm. Jesus says to the wind and the raging sea, “Quiet! Be Still!” and just like that, the storm settles down. This is something he could have done without saying any words, but Jesus, always the teacher, gives his disciples, and us, both an example to follow and words to ponder.
After quieting the storm, Jesus asks his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” He is not reprimanding them or trying to make them feel bad, but rather he is asking them to reflect on the situation, and trying to help them to know, and to remember, that he is there with them and for them, and so, there is nothing to fear. Without Jesus, the storm can rage on, whether loud and brash or quiet and discreet. It is Jesus’s presence that both quells the storm and brings peace into the quiet and stillness.
On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples:
“Let us cross to the other side.”
Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was.
And other boats were with him.
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat,
so that it was already filling up.
Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
They woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
He woke up,
rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?”
They were filled with great awe and said to one another,
“Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” – Mark 4:35-41
In the Gospel passage for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 3:20-35), Jesus says to his disciples and the crowd, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (verse 24). This is in response to the scribes claim that Jesus is driving out demons by or through the prince of demons. Jesus’s words make sense. After all, one cannot bring peace and healing by or through chaotic means. With so much division and vitriol circulating throughout the world, it’s worth considering the heart in the matter.
In the days leading up to this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary are celebrated. When you consider the heart of Jesus, what qualities come to mind? How about when you think about Mary’s immaculate heart?
Based on Scripture, what are some concrete ways that their words and actions reflect these qualities? How does Mary receive unexpected news or events such as the Annunciation, at the Presentation in the temple, and Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion? How does Mary react and respond to the young Jesus when she finds him in the temple after 3 days apart? What does Mary do, and how does she do it, when the wine runs out at the wedding feast in Cana?
What kinds of words does Jesus use and what is his attitude in his encounters with the pharisees and scribes, his disciples, and the crowds? What do Jesus’s actions express? And how does Jesus respond and react during the Passion?
Contemplating the heart of Jesus and the heart of Mary in the happenings of today’s world, how or where do you see the qualities of their hearts coming to life through words and actions? Take time this week to notice the heart behind your words and actions as well as those in the happenings directly around you, in your country, and in the world.
Prayer: Immaculate heart of Mary, intercede on our behalf, so that lies, deception, and all who seek to distort what is true, just, and honorable may be revealed. Sacred heart of Jesus, help us to see through your eyes, and to speak, act, and love, with your heart. Amen.
With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. – Psalm 130:7bc
In the First Reading for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity (Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40), Moses reminds the people of how God has been present to them in Egypt and the magnitude of what God has done for them. He then implores them to use these experiences to remain focused on God as well as God’s ways thru adherence to God’s statutes and commandments. There can be a tendency to think of statutes and commandments as confining, but when taken into consideration along with the bigger picture of God’s dedication and love for all of creation, they can be seen as providing concrete ways to create unity and exercise respect and dignity with a goal of freedom and protection for one and all.
With God there is always more than one side. The relationship is mutual and considers all parties. There are statutes and commandments, but there are also God’s actions, not just telling humanity how to be, but also leading the way and showing us by example. The verses in the Psalm (Ps 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22) describe the Lord’s words, actions, and persona as: upright, trustworthy, just, right, kind, effective, protective, and helpful. These attributes are also infused in the statutes and commandments. They are extended to us by God and in turn we are to extend them to each other.
In the Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17), St. Paul reminds us of our part in the Trinity. As “children of God” and “Joint heirs with Christ” we are not to be enslaved by fear, but rather to live in and be led by the Spirit of God. The passage begins with a salutation of “Brothers and Sisters.” This is not an uncommon greeting. Readings from the letters of St. Paul often begin with a salutation of “Brothers and Sisters,” perhaps to continually express the overall desire and focus on the goal of unity with the Lord and one and another. Imagine starting all your communications with “Brothers and Sisters” or adding “Brothers and Sisters” to communications you receive. How might that shape what you write/say and how you receive what is written/said to you?
Moving on to the Gospel passage known as the Commissioning of the Disciples (Matthew 28:16-20), the disciples, who have gone to Galilee as instructed by Jesus, encounter the risen Jesus. It is written, “they worshipped, but they doubted.” (verse 17). What’s it like to think that despite the existence of doubt, they were still seen as worthy, encountered Jesus, and were given the opportunity to serve as Jesus’ disciples? When situations arise, it can be tempting to give rise to doubt or to fall into a one thing or another, or all or nothing mindset. However, with the Lord, all are worthy, there are often many ways and different degrees to serve, and faith always triumphs over doubt.
Overall, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity presents an opportunity to acknowledge, contemplate, and celebrate how one experiences the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. When you consider each aspect of the Trinity, what characteristics or attributes come to mind? How have you experienced these in your life and how has your prayer been influenced by them? In what ways are you inspired by the Holy Trinity individually and in your relationships? How might the Trinity influence you to overcome uncertainty or division and work toward unity, to better communicate or deepen relationships, or in any related discernment?
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” – Revelation 1:8
The goodness of your breath O God,
filled me up, heart and soul and body,
and got me started.
The faithfulness of your presence
Carries me along, and your spirit,
Moves me to what is best.
How much? How many? What rank?
It does not matter; not a single bit.
Besides, who am I to measure?
You lead me through both highs and lows.
You teach me how to be, and what to cherish.
I am lifted up and over by your love and care.
Amazing how you do it. Amazing!
The glory is forever yours, and yours alone,
Yet, you always share it.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. – Psalm 104:30
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