Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 1
Sunday 16th June: 11th Sunday of the Year. (c)
The first reading is from the second Book of Samuel. We hear how King David is challenged by the Prophet Nathan with regard to his behaviour. He admits his sinfulness and repents. Nathan assures him of God’s forgiveness.
The second reading for the next four weeks is from the Letter to the Galatians. In today’s section, St. Paul stresses that all his commitment and strength in following Christ comes from his belief in the union he has with Christ.
In the Gospel passage from St. Luke, a woman who has a bad reputation in the town interrupts a mean hosted by a leading Pharisee for Jesus. Aware of her sinfulness, she approaches Jesus humbly and as a result receives his forgiveness and compassion. In doing this, Jesus shows he is ‘the friend of sinners’ and confronts the Pharisees for their hardness of heart.
Monday 17th June: Monday in 11th week of the year.
St. Paul reminds the people that this is the favourable time spoken of by Isaiah. Therefore, they must not miss the opportunity or neglect the grace God gave them. They must use the example of their own lives to show they are the chosen people of God.
Jesus continues his radical teaching. No longer is it to be an eye for an eye. The follower of Jesus must go to the opposite extreme to try to bring about conversion to God’s ways in the lives of those who have sinned.
Tuesday 18th June: Tuesday in 11th week of the year.
Paul tells the Corinthians about the Macedonians with whom he is staying. He describes how, even in their poverty, they were extremely generous and cheerful. Not it is the turn of the people of Corinth to show their support for the Christians in Jerusalem who are being persecuted because of their beliefs.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents another strand of his radical teaching His followers must now love their enemies. God makes no distinction but awaits the conversion of the sinner. They have to strive for the same degree of perfection.
Wednesday 19th June: Wednesday in 11th week of the year.
Paul continues his appeal for the Jerusalem collection and he gives a theological and scriptural basis for this.
Three religious practices had a very high priority for the Jews – almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Jesus warns against carrying any of these out with any kind of attention seeking or showiness.
Thursday 20th June:
St. Paul returns to defend himself against his critics who admit he is good with the written wor but weak in his preaching. He reminds them that he has never been a burden to thyem but has a great love for them.
Jesus has been teaching the apostles about prayer. He now gives the example of what has become known as the Our Father or the Lord’s Prayer. This is the example of prayer they are to use and put into effect in their lives.
Friday 21st June: Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga.
He was born in Lombardy to a family with royal connections. He studied in Florence and spent some time in Spain. His father wanted him to become a great soldier but from his earliest years, Aloysius wanted to work for God. He undertook a routine of much prayer, fasting and abstinence and eventually, in 1585, he became a Jesuit novice in Rome. He died in 1891 during a plague in Rome while caring for the other victims. He is the patron of youth.
Saturday 22nd June: Saturday in 11th week of the year.
This is the last extract of Paul’s letter. He reminds them how he was told that God’s grace would be sufficient for him and that it is in weakness that God’s power shines through. It is the same for us in day-to-day living.
Jesus gives us more practical advice about Christian living. Believe that the Lord is looking after us all the time. We are worth so much to him.
Sweet Heart of Jesus,
Fount of love of mercy,
Today we come,
Thy mercy to implore.