"I will forever sing the goodness of the Lord!"
Readings
Second Book of Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel according to Matthew 10:37-42
Reflection
by Sister Maureen Niedermeyer, OSB
Today is the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. What is ordinary time for us? Because of the coronavirus we realize we are now living in extraordinary time! Perhaps our hearts are troubled and fearful for our own lives, and for those we love. Christ shows us how to live in peace and trust by going off to pray by himself to commune with His Father. In this alone time He gathered peace, strength, patience and compassion for His ministry. We too take quiet time to pray for all who need our prayers and to trust in God’s providence.
In the second reading, St. Paul says that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too will live in newness of life. How do I live in this new life? It is not easy to put another’s welfare before my own, but God calls us to do this daily, perhaps often to lay down our lives as He did. Picture Jesus exhausted by the crowds of people who followed Him, perhaps pushing and shoving each other to get closer to Him. There seemed to be no end to those who needed Him! His ministry eventually led to His passion and death. Our own lives offer many opportunities to give our lives for others. How do we respond when we are asked to listen to another who is bitter and angry and needs a listening ear? There are many ways that each of us have to join in Jesus’ passion and death. Are we ready to lay down our lives when Jesus asks?
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else.” Rule of Benedict:4:20-21
Gospel Acclamation
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation;
announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
I Peter 2:9