Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene appears in all four Gospels. She, along with a group of other well-to-do women, Susanna and Joanna, financed the Kingdom of God movement and attended and supported Jesus from Galilee through Judea.
Mary M knew what it meant to be healed and delivered from a place of darkness. Luke tells us that seven demons were expelled from her. Courageously she broke through the barriers of Middle Eastern culture as one of his disciples, sitting, as it were, at the rabbi’s feet. Generous and faithful, she followed Jesus intimately.
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
We are particularly reminded today of God’s loving dedication to the poor and the outcasts. In today’s first reading, the prophet Micah warns the people of Judah that God will allow them to be destroyed by their enemies because of their greed. The rich people of Judah have used their power to take land and houses away from the poor. Not only was this a form of manipulation of other Jews, but it manipulated the law which mandated certain practices—such as forgiveness of debts and land redistribution—precisely to mitigate such greed from creating an unjust situation. When conquered by their enemies, the Jews will no longer have the power which they have abused.
Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Two Fridays ago, we read the gospel from the ninth chapter of Matthew where, just like today, Jesus references Hosea 6:6 during a confrontation with the Pharisees, “If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath” (Mt 12:7-8). Conversations about rules, choices, and consequences are a common occurrence in our household as our children process and attempt to understand the why behind our decisions and expectations. Our kids challenge us to really have thoughtful and intentional rules. They don’t always agree with the standards we set, but if we can show them the purpose or have examples to cite from prior results or lived experiences, it helps them comprehend the meaning.
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Can you believe what Jesus says to us in today’s passage from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 11:28-30) — that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light? What? How can that be true? He bore the weight of all human sin. He was arrested, tortured, and crucified. What is easy or light about any of that? And yet he says it is. He also invites us to take his yoke upon us.
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel Jesus praises God for revealing his truths to the childlike, while keeping them hidden from the wise and learned. Is Jesus saying that we should not better ourselves, get an education or grow our brains? Not quite. What I think Jesus is telling us is to get out of our own way. He is reminding us that faith is not something that we need to overthink. We can approach our faith and approach our father in the same way a child approaches their parent.
To call someone childlike we are saying they are innocent, simple, trusting, direct and candid. Children typically do not analyze and overthink every situation. How often has overthinking stood in the way of your faith journey?
Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today’s memorial is Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the Carmelite Order, begun by Christian hermits in the Holy Land. Mount Carmel was the place where Elijah both showed God’s power by calling down fire and heard God reveal Godself in the tiny whisper. The Carmelites built a chapel there in honor of Mary with the feast being observed since the late 14th century.
Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
I have not come to bring peace, but the sword. - Matthew 10:34
Today we hear another one of those “difficult sayings” of Jesus. Jesus, rebuker of Peter for drawing his sword. Jesus, admonisher of those who live by the sword. Jesus, whose nativity inspired heavenly hosts over Bethlehem to sing of “peace on earth.”
So what’s up with that? If we struggle with this image we are in good company. So have saints and scholars for centuries. So do preachers and teachers and people-in-the-pew in 2024. It just seems so extraordinarily out of character.
Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. (Matthew 10:26)
To help me reflect on today’s readings, I read the footnotes of my Bible. It said, “The concealed and secret coming of the kingdom is to be proclaimed by them, and no fear must be allowed to deter them from that proclamation.” Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often preached about the coming of the Reign of God. He cured the sick; called the poor, those who mourn, the humble, and the peacemakers blessed; told parables about the kingdom of God being like a small mustard seed or yeast; and taught about forgiveness and discipleship as carrying one’s cross, loving God, and loving one’s neighbor including enemies. He did all these things to show that the Reign of God is a kingdom full of love, mercy, and justice for all, not just those we like or think are deemed worthy of our love. Jesus calls his disciples to proclaim this Gospel and to not be afraid to do so.
Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.” (Psalm 51:17)
This last verse of today’s responsorial psalm (from which the refrain comes) is one that is prayed at the start of morning prayer throughout the world. I started praying morning prayer more regularly since first subscribing to the Benedictine liturgical publication “Give Us This Day” a few years ago.
Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
I have the privilege of helping with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sundays. There are times when the discussion of the readings leads to insights from the children. At a recent gathering, the children shared that it was easier to do something that was not a good decision than to do the action that they knew was the better choice. If we think about the honesty of these young disciples, we would agree that living the teachings of Jesus is not always easy. St. Benedict, whose feast we celebrate today, offers us some practices to help us to follow Christ.
Today’s gospel reading recounts the story of Jesus sending the apostles to proclaim that the “kingdom is at hand.” He tells them not to take any money, extra clothes or provisions, and to rely on others for their needs. What a challenging job to do! Although there are no details to describe the apostles’ travels, I could imagine that they found these stipulations to be difficult and at times they did not succeed. How were they able to keep on trying? Was it the great love of Jesus and their devotion to him?
As written in the first reading from Hosea, God’s love continues to forgive and call as back even when we turn away. There are saints who have developed ways that help us make a return to the Lord. Today is the feast day of St. Benedict of Nursia who wrote The Rule to help direct the monasteries of his time. Even though St. Benedict lived long ago, he still offers sound advice for us today as we attempt to navigate the difficulties of serving the Lord. The Rule includes five practices that we can use in our own lives:
Prayer- for the those living in monasteries this would revolve around the Liturgy of the Hours and other types of private prayer ( e.g. Lectio Divina) Prayer for us could be saying the rosary, private prayer, attending Mass, or through the course of the day taking a short break to “turn to the Lord” with thanks and praise.
Work- Work is something we all do in our daily lives. Even those who may not be employed outside of the home, perform tasks that help the community, family, or creation. St. Benedict stresses that work gives dignity and value to individuals. If we do our work being mindful that our work is a part of God’s call to us, then even the smallest chore can be holy.
Study- St. Benedict instructs that those following his Rule should read scripture or other texts to deepen their spiritual lives. Even in our busy days, taking time to read the daily Mass readings can be a way to help us stay grounded in God’s truth.
Hospitality- Although we might think of this as welcoming people into our homes, this idea of hospitality from St. Benedict goes further, since it implies that we welcome others into our lives and see them as Christ among us. This includes the stranger and those on the periphery as well as those people within our own household.
Renewal- The Rule of St. Benedict stresses the importance of taking time to rest (e.g. keeping the Sabbath) as well as finding ways to seek and find God in our daily lives (this could be taking a hike or painting or some other form of recreation.) Even when we are enjoying time away from the routine, St. Benedict wants to remind us that God should still be at our center.
(http://www.benedictfriend.org/the-rule.html)
Although I do not live in a monastery, I find the Rule of St. Benedict provides helpful practices that make the challenges of being a disciple a little easier. When I take time to pray, read scripture, work with love, offer compassion and hospitality to others, and even use my times of recreation to remember God, I believe that I will be more deeply planted in God’s love. Following Christ is challenging, but these spiritual practices make it easier to find the Way.
Loving God, your love for us is great even when we turn away. We want to grow in our love for you as we follow Jesus, but we often struggle. Send your Spirit to give us the wisdom, courage and grace, so we can live holy lives. May the practices of St. Benedict bring us closer to you and your love. We pray this in Christ’s name AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline
Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“. . . [I believe] in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church . . .” We make this bold affirmation each time we proclaim the Nicene Creed. As you recite the Creed each Sunday during Mass, do you focus on the words? Do you make a conscious intellectual ascent to the truths it contains? Do you exercise your will freely in joining your voice and your heart with that of the Church? Or has it become a rote recitation, something you can rattle off while daydreaming or allowing your mind to become distracted by your preoccupations? I begin this reflection with that challenge because I believe it’s important to enter deeply and intentionally into each moment of the Mass, actively exercising our role in the priesthood of all believers. Today’s Gospel prompted me to focus on the Apostles and what it means that we are an “apostolic Church.” Securely planted on this foundation, may we, like them, be bold witnesses, proclaiming by our lives “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
His (Jesus) heart was moved with pity…because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Today’s readings invite us to emulate Jesus’ heart - one that senses the needs of others and is moved to change and respond. Unlike the idols the psalmist describes as unable to see, hear, or feel, Jesus invites us into an intimate relationship with his own heart. We are called to be deeply moved and to bring his tender heart to others as we respond to their needs with the care of a shepherd for their sheep.
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Prophet Hosea and Yahweh had in common that they both were married to a prostitute.
Harlot Gomer (Mrs. Hosea) symbolized Israel whom God had taken as his bride, but who now spurned his love and went chasing after other gods. Israel was guilty of spiritual adultery.
Hosea & Gomer. Yahweh & Israel. You might say that they were the ultimate “odd couples.” Hosea identified intimately with the divine anguish as both were jilted by their lovers.
We may be ill at ease with such a concept. We speak freely of God’s omnipotence — the infinity of God. But as 21st century westerners, 2,750 years removed from Hosea & Gomer, our analytical minds with abstract and logical thinking are completely foreign to the ancients. The vivid, the tangible, the immediate, the gut — these alone could they grasp. And grasp they did!
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time
“The Lord speaks peace to his people” See Psalm 85:9b
The above quote is the response from today’s Responsorial Psalm. Given the wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other parts of the world; the destruction in the Caribbean by Hurricane Beryl; anxiety over climate change; political discord in our country; etc., it is difficult to see where there is peace. Therefore, today’s Psalm encourages us to listen to God’s message of peace. What is God telling us about peace?
Friday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time
In today’s gospel, Jesus is having dinner with (gasp) sinners! My goodness…if that were a cultural expectation, he would always eat alone. Having a place to sit at a dinner table (or any meal really) and share a meal with others has been incredibly significant in my life and my faith formation. Presence around a shared table for meals was important in my childhood home. It has, likewise, taken on great importance in our current household as we raise five children. The core of our Catholic faith centers around the Eucharist. We re-enact the last supper of Christ every time we attend mass. In college, I lived in an intentional faith community house with five other guys where we deliberately ate together as often as possible and invited others over for supper regularly. It is in these moments that I have experienced profound discussions, immense joy, and forged powerful relationships.
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’?”
If a paralytic approached me and asked me to make it possible for them to walk, I would know I was sunk. No can do. I can help you revise your paper, maybe. But enable you to walk? That is, as they say, way above my pay grade.
But which is easier? And why is Jesus charged in our Gospel reading today as a blasphemer?
I’ll answer those questions with a story.
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Today, July 3rd, we celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas, the apostle. Most of us know him as Doubting Thomas. To me this nickname has always brought with it a little bit of disdain and disgrace – he’s the one who couldn’t just take the apostles at their word and believe them. He had to see for himself. Even Jesus makes him feel a little inept, with his comment, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). I wonder – if it weren’t for apostles like Thomas would I have the courage to believe?
Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
What sort of person is this? I start my reflection from the last line of the last reading—the familiar Gospel of Jesus calming the turmoil of the sea. The disciples who had been absolutely terrified witness Jesus’ ability to turn a situation of mortal fear to “a great calm”. Their response is amazement—and to ask one another what sort of person he is. The Amos reading is rather obscure with all its questions but is a good lead in to the Gospel—it’s God noting that the turmoil of the people of Amos’ time and place is a result of their refusal to return to being faithful to their covenant with God. But God doesn’t desire turmoil—God wants them to recognize the “Favor” God has for them.
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Amos (8th century BCE), the first of the writing prophets, reveals YHWH as a deity consumed — consumed for justice and consumed for the chosen people. In contrast, Israel saw YHWH as a deity obsessed — obsessed with proper worship and sacrifice, not unlike the foreign gods of Israel's neighbors.
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Scripture Readings (Mass During the Day)
Today is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Both men contributed greatly to the proclamation of the Gospel in the Roman Empire. They influence the Church today especially in St. Paul’s letters and St. Peter as the first pope. Nevertheless, both were imperfect and seem to be unlikely candidates to be leaders in the Church.