13th Sunday of the Year (c)
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 1
Sunday 30th June: 13th Sunday of the Year. (c)
In the first reading, Elisha is called by Elijah, to take on the role of prophet. He is allowed to attend to his tasks before moving. This is in sharp contrast to those called to follow Jesus in the Gospel passage, where instant commitment is demanded by Jesus.
In the second reading, St. Paul encourages the Galatians to love one another, reminding that they are in danger of destroying their community by failing to do so. He lists some of the things that are to be the hallmark of the Christian.
In the Gospel, we hear how the people of a Samaritan village refuse to receive Jesus and the disciples. St. Luke outlines what is involved in full commitment to Jesus. There is to be no compromise, no turning back.
Monday 1st July: Monday in 13th week of the year.
We continue with the story of Abraham. He would be blessed in his descendants because he was a just man. Evil people would be punished. Abraham, in a way previously unknown, begins to argue with God in an attempt to save the people of Sodom if ten virtuous people could be found.
We are reminded that, to follow Jesus, full commitment is necessary. At the beginning of another week, we should pray for that in our daily prayers.
Tuesday 2nd July: Tuesday in 13th week of the year.
Lot and the other virtuous people are allowed to leave the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah before they are destroyed because of their unfaithfulness to God’s ways.
Jesus again reminds us, in the Gospel, of the need for faith if we are to truly follow him.
Wednesday 3rd July: Feast of St. Thomas.
Little is known about Thomas other than what we read in the Gospels. He was a Jew and probably a Galilean. His name is Syriac and means the twin. He is chiefly remembered for his lack of faith followed by his great statement of faith in the Risen Christ – My Lord and My God. According to tradition, he ended up doing missionary work in India.
Thursday 4th July: Thursday in 13th week of the year.
Abraham is given his greatest test of faith. He is asked to offer his only son as a sacrifice to God. He is on the point of agreeing to this test when God accepts he is truly a man of faith.
Behind many of the miracles of Jesus is a spiritual message. Today it is more explicit in the Gospel passage. He can forgive sins just as he can cure the paralytic.
Friday 5th July: Friday in 13th week of the year.
After his mother died, Isaac was warned by Abraham not to marry one of the Canaanites but one of his own kin. He meets Rebecca and they are married.
Jesus reminds his followers that he has come not to call the virtuous but sinners. Marcy and compassion were vital in his dealings with others. Can we show that same mercy to those with whom we come into contact today?
Saturday 6th July: Saturday in 13th week of the year.
We jump to the later days of Isaac’s life. He is now blind and wants to give a blessing to his first-born, Esau. Jacob deceives him into giving him the blessing instead. The blessing of the first-born is a critical act in the live of the people of Israel. It passes on the hereditary rights and obligations to the son, as heir.
Jesus is challenged again. While he is with his disciples, they will not fast. The time will come when they will. Everything has its place and time in God’s ways.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Pray for us.
St. Bernadette
Pray for us.
