13th Sunday of the Year (c)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 2
Sunday 26th 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 27th June: Monday in 13th week of the year.
The first reading this week is taken from the Prophet Amos, a man who came from the southern kingdom but preached mainly in the northern kingdom about 40 years before it was to be destroyed. He didn’t depend on the king for support and so could speak out openly wherever and whenever he found dishonesty and injustice. He used a style called ‘oracle.’ He has been denouncing the neighbours of the northern kingdom but now turns on the people themselves much to their surprise and anger. They had turned their back on the God of Israel despite the love and care He had shown them. For breaking the Covenant in this way, they are to be punished.
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 28th June: Memorial of St. Iraneus.
Irenaeus is one of the most important fathers of the early Church. He was born around 125 in Asia Minor. He is said to have been a disciple of St. Polycarp who is turn was a disciple of St. John the Apostle. This shows how close in time Iraneus is to the early days of the Church. He became Bishop of Lyons and combated the heresies of his day. He died in 202.
Wednesday 29th June: Solemnity of St. Peter & St. Paul.
We know from the Gospels that Peter was from Galilee, that his brother was Andrew, that he was married and that he was a fisherman. He is portrayed as a very impetuous man e.g. he said he would never betray Jesus. On the other hand, he was a man of great faith and determination. He was martyred in Rome in 64.
Paul, who was originally known as Saul, came from Tarsus and was brought up as a very strict Jew. He was also a Roman citizen. He was as scrupulous upholder of the Law and joined the Pharisees, becoming a ferocious persecutor of the early Christians. After his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he became a very committed Christian, setting off on various missionary journeys. His story is found in the Acts of the Apostles and in the various letters he wrote to the early Christian communities. Tradition tells us he was martyred in Rome in 67
Thursday 30th June: Thursday in 13th week of the year.
We are given a short biography of the work of Amos and all that he had done in the service of the Lord, often against the odds. He had been fearless in preaching and teaching often attacking the king. As a result, his prophecy that the Israelites would be sent into Israel for their breaking of the Covenant caused uproar.
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 1st July: Friday in 13th week of the year.
Amos denounces even more of the social injustices that the rich were inflicting on the poor. They were being swindled and reduced almost to slavery. The day is coming when this will be reversed – the Day of the Lord is approaching.
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 2nd July: Saturday in 13th week of the year.
In this last extract from the prophet Amos, we hear two oracles. These were probably written after the exile and were intended to give the people new hope. The nation will be rebuilt, the cities and the vineyards will be restored. This is the promise of the Lord.
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.
