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Reflections
for Sunday, June 20, 2010
The readings this Sunday are strong because they speak about the necessity
of suffering in life and about the suffering of the Savior. None of us
humans, not even Christ Himself, really likes suffering. We much prefer a
life that is full of meaning, perhaps has some small challenges or even
large ones, but which does not involve really strong sufferings.
The first reading today, from the Book of Zechariah, speaks about events
in the time of Zechariah but also is a foretelling of the life of our
Savior. Any parent who has lost an only son, a son who was also the
firstborn, knows the incredible grief that is described here. Anyone who
has been close to such a happening can have at least some idea of this
grief and sorrow. As we contemplate such grief, we also come to understand
a small bit the sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
The second reading today is from the Letter to the Galatians and is a
profound teaching showing how Christians are incorporated as children of
Abraham. Far too often we forget that we are children of Abraham, children
of the promise, children of faith. God will not abandon us. God is the
God of the living. We are invited to believe even when it looks as if
God's promises to us are empty. This is the faith of our father,
Abraham.
The Gospel from Saint Luke today tells us about Jesus conversation with
his followers while they are alone and apart, praying. The words of Jesus
tell of his sufferings that will come. Just as we do not want our friends
and loved ones to suffer, neither do the followers of Jesus want Him to
suffer. The challenge is really about how we accompany one another in
suffering. The apostles had to learn with some very hard lessons that
their task was to embrace the sufferings necessary to proclaim the good
news.
Today on this Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are invited to look at
our own lives and choose to suffer when that is necessary for the sake of
following the Lord Jesus. We must become accustomed to suffering without
necessarily seeking suffering.
We must come to have the wisdom and knowledge that through the suffering
of Christ the world has been redeemed. We are invited to be part of the
redemption and we too will suffer. Let us walk forward in faith.
Readings of the day:
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
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Reflections are available for the following Sundays:
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