Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 99 (NAB Translation)
Sunday Says
Reading 1
1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21
This week’s first reading from the first book of Kings in a story from the end of Elijah’s retirement when the Lord has asked him to appoint his successor. This is a perspective that reminds us what it means to be called by the Lord. Elisha is a reminder that we can trust that God provides and keeps His promises to us.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
- (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Reading 2
Galatians 5:1, 13-18
This week’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a letter full of correction and direction. There is a bold line about “For freedom, Christ set us free,” to put all of this into context. It would be in vain to find freedom in the Lord if we only put on the yoke of slavery in another way. We must not give into the temptations of the flesh, and he is speaking about more than just sexual. St Paul reminds us that by listening to the Spirit we will know how we can live out our lives without become slaves to our own desires. In this freedom, we will be open to love our neighbor.
Alleluia
1 SM 3:9; JN 6:68C
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening; you have the words of everlasting life.
Gospel
Luke 9:51-62
This week’s Gospel from St Luke is a combination of a few different situations. We begin with the story of James and John, the sons of Thunder, asking Jesus if they can pray for death upon people that reject them because they are headed to Jerusalem. Jesus quickly rebuked them, but they situation changes as they continue in their travels. Jesus challenges His followers to follow Him wholeheartedly now that He has personally called them. Even in the temptation to prioritize others that we love, we have to live out that love and relationship within the context of priority towards the Lord.
Gospel meditation
Reflection question
Jesus is resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem where he would suffer, die and rise. The image given today is a straight line. Our eyes are to be fixed on the Lord proclaiming the Kingdom of God by dying to ourselves to bring new life to others. What distractions do you find in your daily life that keep you from being focused on Jesus? What prevents you from resolutely following Jesus?
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