Sunday, July 12, 2015
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 104 (NAB Translation)(Jerusalem Bible Translation)
Reading 1
Amos 7:12-15
This week’s first reading comes from Amos, a prophet we don’t hear much from at Sunday Masses. In this short except, we hear the priest Amaziah, trying to banish Amos from Bethel to the southern kingdom of Judah. Amos was the only Biblical prophet to come from the southern kingdom, and the sanctuary priest was not interested in hearing from this foreigner. Amos reminds the priest that His words come from God, and his mission is to remind him of the idolatry that has been happening in Israel. The word of God can comfort, but sometimes it tries to push us out of our comfort.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
- (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Reading 2
Ephesians 1:3-14
This week’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus is the first of several over the next few weeks. There is a lot of different phrases in this letter, but it can all be brought down to a few main points. God desires for His people to be truly holy, or set apart. This comes to us by the grace of our union with Christ. Jesus is the one that brings it all together.
There is an option to omit the last four verses of this reading if you parish chooses to do so.
Alleluia CF. EPH 1:17-18
- Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.
Gospel
Mark 6:7-13
St Mark’s Gospel focuses on the mission of the 12 Apostles in this reading. Jesus came for a mission to help His people, and He empowers the Apostles to act in His name. Even with this great power, He knows the struggles of ministry require community and support and sends them out two by two.
Many times, we try to take on work on our own, and it leads to times of difficulty. There truly is great power in His name, and repentance has the power to save many souls. We must continue to carry out that testimony of Jesus to the world.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
Jesus sends out the 12 in pairs instructing them to take only a walking stick. Think about what you can downsize and simplify in your life to keep you focused on the Kingdom of God.
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