Sunday Says Podcast – July 7, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 7, 2013

Reflection starts at 4:15 minute mark.

The language in this week’s readings is colorful. If this was your first mass, and first time to hear these readings, I’m sure they would leave quite the impression, but possibly even more confusion.

Some of the central themes of these readings focus on our lack of faith and doubt. God reminds us that the path of discipleship isn’t easy, but He fulfills His promises, and He does not abandon us.

First Reading IS 66:10-14C

In the first reading from Isaiah, it’s important to explain the setting of the original audience. This is during a disappointingly slow reconstruction period of Jerusalem after the exile and Babylonian captivity. Generations were going by and it looked like the Lord wasn’t doing much for the people. Isaiah has to remind them that the Lord will in fact let His power be known by His servants.

In the face of such disilliusion, the prophet brings in some of the most vivid imagery he can invoke – reminding them of the innocence of infancy. He reminds them of a time when they had to be completely depend upon their mother for food and care. This reminds them of the dependence our God desires from our hearts. Like a child to its Mother, we too can trust we will be cared for in our need.

Psalm 61

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Second Reading GAL 6:14-18

The second reading shows us that there was still a lot of confusion among the many Jewish converts to Christianity in the early Church. Many of them were clinging to the old Mosaic law, and some of them were even boasting about their strict fidelity towards it. In the passage, St Paul corrects those that believe the Judaic laws should be enforced and imposed on the converts.

At the same time, St Paul is not supporting the teaching of salvation by faith alone. (Sola Fide). He is using this as a point to remind us that we cannot be saved by how things look on the outside, but instead, our salvation is based upon our relationship with our Lord and how it has been been lived out.

An interesting note is his comment about boasting and pride. St Paul refers to the crucifixion as our only source of pride, but crucifixion was usually associated with shame. This was a sign that things have changed.

Looking at the Gospel LK 10:1-9

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sends out His disciples to work and teach. Some of the biggest emphasis comes in his request to Trust in Him to provide. As He did in the first reading, the Lord promised to provide and console His people, now Jesus asks these disciples to take the leap of faith.

Jesus asks them to put away their doubt and pride. I’m not sure how easy that would be for me. I’m a person that likes to be prepared for the unexpected, so I will often travel with several additional supplies “just in case.” He also asks them to heavily trust and rely upon people they don’t really even know. This takes faith, and we can never forget that our Lord keeps His promises.

Where is God calling you to go today? Jesus is worth it – Trust in Him.