Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

On July 4, 1776 a stirring statement was read to the public for the first-time. It began:

 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and realize the many blessings it brought forth over the years, let us thank God

The Word of God today takes us back to the 6^th century before Jesus. The 6^th century was a catastrophe for the Hebrews. They lost everything they thought would endure

And here the Spirit of God empowers Ezekiel to challenge them to re-orient themselves to God and one another.

There are many things God won’t ask us on judgment day:

•       God won’t ask about the clothes in our closet. He’ll see how many we helped to clothe, and to comfort.

•       God won’t ask our job title. He’ll see if we worked with integrity.

•       And, God won’t note the color of our skin. He’ll note our character.

 Yes, Ezekiel challenges us to live an other-centered life. 

Paul in his letter to the Christian community in Corinth alludes to a “thorn in his own flesh.” Scholars have debated for centuries about what this was. I think of many well-known people in modern times who overcame and transcended handicaps: Helen Keller. FDR. Even Beethoven was deaf.

Paul faced challenges, but he says the power of God’s grace sufficed for him to surmount these. He is even grateful for this “disability.” Because Jesus is his model par excellence: powerless on the cross, Jesus burst forth all-powerful from the tomb into a new heavenly reality, an indescribable life beyond death that is ours as well.

In the Gospel according to Mark, the Spirit of God enters into Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth and empowers him to speak “incredible wisdom” and work “mighty deeds.”

Today I would like to reflect on Jesus as “our true wisdom who guides us and brings us good news: we shall be like God and see God as he is."

Jesus is the image of the God we cannot see, our guide, our good news and our provider.

First, Jesus gives all the guidance we need. We are “led by the Spirit of God.” We have the Spirit dwelling within us. God has bestowed the gifts of the Spirit upon us in baptism: wisdom (to recognize what truly matters), intelligence (to discern what's true), courage (to do what's right), compassion, good judgment, and wonder and awe (to worship the great God of this universe). Yes, Jesus will guide us to our true destiny.

Jesus provided good news in a world that desperately needs it. “Gospel” means “good news.” It is about life, death, and resurrection. Jesus Christ lives and because he lives, we live, especially through the sacramental life of his community of disciples, the church.

The good news of Jesus is dynamically relevant to all generations, cultures and situations. People’s basic needs are always the same. The message of the gospel is always the same. And so, I invite us to study the good news. Make time to meditate upon the scriptures.

And finally, Jesus taught us to pray. “Give us this day our daily bread...forgive us...lead us...deliver us.” He will provide all we need.

 One of my favorite biblical narratives is the story of Elijah. He trusted in God's care for us. When the brook that provided water for Elijah dried up, God sent him to a widow for food. She and her son were about to eat their last meal. But Elijah promises that God will provide for her needs.

 The widow did exactly as Elijah asked. And it turned out exactly so. This woman of great faith was prepared to give all she had. And God supplied her needs.

 If we give generously, we will discover we cannot out-give God. God does amazing things for and through us. This doesn't mean life is "easy." Read all about it.

 Yes, Jesus is our wisdom who guides us, brings us good news and provides for us so that we can become the best version of ourselves. 

Have a happy and safe Independence Day weekend.