twelfth sunday in ordinary time

Posted on by Cassie

Today’s reading can be difficult to understand and apply. Think of it this way. Even though we have been equipped by the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of Jesus, this does not mean that it will always be smooth sailing. We may encounter opposition, even from those closest to us. But whatever the cause of our difficulties, Jesus wants us to keep a few things in mind. First of all, he assures us of God’s care. God cares even for sparrows, and we are worth more in His sight than sparrows.

Second, it will help if we have the right attitude towards difficulties and set backs. We are disciples of a Jesus who laid down His life for us. Whatever might happen to us, no matter how painful, is simply an aspect of our following in His footsteps and thereby finding life.

Third, Jesus asks us to be mindful of other followers, particularly when they are facing difficulty. Even meeting their simplest needs serves Jesus.

Finally, “Do not be afraid.” Ever! Jesus is always with us.  Taking up the cross and even losing one’s life for Jesus will be rewarded with everlasting life in the Kingdom.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell

eleventh sunday in ordinary time

Posted on by Cassie

This week we return to Ordinary Time for our Sunday liturgy. We go back to Matthew’s Gospel and pick up this year’s walk through his Gospel.

The Gospel of Matthew is distinctive for its practice of citing the Old Testament in connection with Jesus’ activity and teaching. The Gospel is also known for a structured presentation of Jesus’ doctrine in the form of sermons or discourses. Each discourse is followed by collections of miracle accounts and incidents which reflect Jesus’ doctrinal teaching.

On this 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time we pick up Matthew’s narrative with Jesus’ discourse to His apostles concerning their mission. They are to proclaim what Jesus proclaimed: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” They are to do what Jesus did: “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. “He tells His apostles that their mission was to be directed “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”.

Jesus wants to restore God’s flock and give them guiding shepherds. He does so by choosing the “twelve.” The twelve apostles were appointed and instructed so that the people of God would be renewed and shepherded. Jesus sends out His disciples as laborers to bring in the abundant harvest of God’s restored people.

Matthew is telling his community that they, the Church, are to carry on Jesus’ work, we are to imitate Him in our service. We are not only to minister to those in need, but to do so out of compassion and love.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell

the solemnity of the body and blood of jesus

Posted on by Cassie

Just as our body needs food to live, so to do Christians need another kind of food for our spirits to live. The food par excellence for our spirits is the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Without food we cannot live a full human life and enjoy health, work, learning and freedom.

It is no different in our life of the Spirit. Without the food of the Eucharist we become weak and incapable of reaching out to help others; we become easy victims to temptation and depression. Without the bread of life we quickly lose interest in reading Scripture and in praying; we lose our freedom in the Spirit and become enslaved by the materialism of the world. In other words, we need the Eucharist to become fully alive in our spiritual life.

As a Church, we are the Spirit-filled people of God who feed on the Eucharist in faith as a sign of our total dependence on the Lord as the ultimate source of our life. We the Church—you and me—are the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ. We are a people who share our bread with others— bread for the hungry by helping the poor; bread for the oppressed by fighting for justice; bread for the lonely by offering friendship; bread for the despairing by giving encouragement.

There is no need for physical or spiritual hunger. We need to work together to become a Spirit— filled people who feed on the Eucharist and share it with others. Pray that we may truly become a people of Faith who through the Bread of Life can fulfill all our needs.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell