Reflection for Sunday July 25th

Sunday Gospel: John 6:1-15

In this familiar gospel, Jesus is followed by a large crowd because news of his healings have spread far and wide. As night approaches, the issue of food must be addressed which leads to Jesus miraculously feeding 5000 people. This miracle is seen also as a metaphor for the Eucharist. Just as normal food is essential for our mortal lives, the Eucharist sustains our spiritual lives and we need it to strengthen our faith. This week, take some time to appreciate the Eucharist and think about what it means to you.

This weeks reflection is by Nora Blatney, Mount Saint Joseph Academy class of 2022. Mr. Cillo is always looking for new teens willing to share a reflection on the Sunday Gospel. Let him know if you are interested in sharing your faith in this way.

Reflection for Sunday July 4th

​Sunday Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

When I read this Sunday’s Gospel passage I think about how hard it is to change and grow. What makes it difficult is moving past our former identities and ways of living. No matter how much I change as a person, my siblings will always have memories of me that contradict my new life. They can recall my worst moments from over ten years ago! It's hard to have a truly fresh start especially with people that we have a shared history with. While Jesus did not experience a conversion, he did face backlash from his local community when he began his public ministry. His friends and neighbors could only see him for who he was growing up and not what he revealed himself as in public ministry. How have you experienced people holding on to their past experiences of you? Have you experienced this push back when you have had a conversion?

Reflection for Sunday July 11th

Sunday Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 
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Today we hear about the twelve disciples being sent out. In this moment they are longer just disciples but are apostles too. A disciple is someone who follows where as an apostle is one that is sent out. We often think of the 12 apostles as radically different from us. We may find it hard enough to be disciples let alone apostles. In our world today it might even be more acceptable to say "I am Christian" rather than "I am a disciple of Jesus". Christ calls all of us to be his disciples but he also calls us to be apostles too. We are challenged to go out with the support of each other to share the Gospel message. We are called to do this boldly, not worrying about the results, trusting entirely on the providence of God.  Maybe God is calling you to radically proclaim the Gospel. Maybe he is calling you to bear witness to the Gospel through your words and actions. No matter who you are, if you are a disciple then Christ will also call you to go forth and make more disciples. Each of us may do this differently but our mission is the same. As you pray with the Gospel this week. How is God calling you to be an apostle?