Reflection for Sunday June 18th by Frank Amuso
Sunday Gospel: Matthew 9:36—10:8
This week’s Gospel–in conjunction with the first and second readings–details in brief the story of the Israelites as the chosen people of God, whose original covenant has been fulfilled by Jesus. The first reading hearkens back to their time in the desert, when God first proclaims– through Moses–the Israelites as His “treasured possession out of all the peoples” (Exodus 19:2-6). The second reading is one of Paul’s letters to the Romans–written years after Jesus’s Passion–urging them to remember that, in spite of our sinful state, God proved His love for us “in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-11).
Finally the Gospel takes place in the middle of these two writings–after the promise, and before the recollection of the promise’s fulfillment, naturally. In this juxtaposition alone we are able to see the reality of Jesus as himself the fruit of God’s covenant with the chosen people. This particular selection begins by vastly understating Jesus’ public ministry, explaining simply how he went around teaching and preaching and curing all sorts of diseases, spurred by the compassion he felt toward “the crowds” in their “harassed and helpless” state. For being God’s chosen people, what had become of the Israelites were far from favored above all others; in practice Judea was ruled by the force of the Roman Empire. Notably, in the text of the Gospel–Matthew’s own word, as opposed to a quote from Jesus–these people are likened to “sheep without a shepherd.” The analogy Jesus makes, however, is that of a plentiful harvest, without the laborers to harvest it. While there is truth and an understanding to be found in both analogies, Matthew frames the Israelites as helpless, lost sheep, where Jesus sees an untapped potential–the latter certainly seems more noble.
This then is the first time Jesus gathers the twelve Apostles and grants them authority “over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and sickness”–how Jesus is described at the beginning of this passage! The second time this can be said to happen was ironically celebrated three weeks ago during the holiday of Pentecost; more on that to follow. This first time, Jesus gives the explicit instructions to avoid Gentile and Samaritan lands, and rather seek out the lost sheep of Israel, performing his own miraculous ministry–free of charge of course. This, being the first such instructions of Jesus, is the fulfillment of God’s covenant to the Israelites–they are the first to receive His kingdom on earth, through the works and deeds of Jesus and the Apostles. As Paul later writes, God shows His love through the eventual Passion of Jesus, at which point it can be said that the original covenant had been completed. With Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, preceded by what we call Pentecost (there it is!), in a sense a new covenant is formed; we all know the scene in which the Apostles, cowering in fear without Jesus, are touched by tongues of flame and blessed so that all may understand the Word of God through them–this second time they are not prevented from preaching to Gentiles or Samaritans or anyone else, but all are able to receive the Kingdom of God! Recall a time you have felt such a Kingdom of God present in your life. How have you been blessed by His covenant?
This week's reflection is by Frank Amuso, Holy Cross College class of 2026.
This week’s Gospel–in conjunction with the first and second readings–details in brief the story of the Israelites as the chosen people of God, whose original covenant has been fulfilled by Jesus. The first reading hearkens back to their time in the desert, when God first proclaims– through Moses–the Israelites as His “treasured possession out of all the peoples” (Exodus 19:2-6). The second reading is one of Paul’s letters to the Romans–written years after Jesus’s Passion–urging them to remember that, in spite of our sinful state, God proved His love for us “in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-11).
Finally the Gospel takes place in the middle of these two writings–after the promise, and before the recollection of the promise’s fulfillment, naturally. In this juxtaposition alone we are able to see the reality of Jesus as himself the fruit of God’s covenant with the chosen people. This particular selection begins by vastly understating Jesus’ public ministry, explaining simply how he went around teaching and preaching and curing all sorts of diseases, spurred by the compassion he felt toward “the crowds” in their “harassed and helpless” state. For being God’s chosen people, what had become of the Israelites were far from favored above all others; in practice Judea was ruled by the force of the Roman Empire. Notably, in the text of the Gospel–Matthew’s own word, as opposed to a quote from Jesus–these people are likened to “sheep without a shepherd.” The analogy Jesus makes, however, is that of a plentiful harvest, without the laborers to harvest it. While there is truth and an understanding to be found in both analogies, Matthew frames the Israelites as helpless, lost sheep, where Jesus sees an untapped potential–the latter certainly seems more noble.
This then is the first time Jesus gathers the twelve Apostles and grants them authority “over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and sickness”–how Jesus is described at the beginning of this passage! The second time this can be said to happen was ironically celebrated three weeks ago during the holiday of Pentecost; more on that to follow. This first time, Jesus gives the explicit instructions to avoid Gentile and Samaritan lands, and rather seek out the lost sheep of Israel, performing his own miraculous ministry–free of charge of course. This, being the first such instructions of Jesus, is the fulfillment of God’s covenant to the Israelites–they are the first to receive His kingdom on earth, through the works and deeds of Jesus and the Apostles. As Paul later writes, God shows His love through the eventual Passion of Jesus, at which point it can be said that the original covenant had been completed. With Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, preceded by what we call Pentecost (there it is!), in a sense a new covenant is formed; we all know the scene in which the Apostles, cowering in fear without Jesus, are touched by tongues of flame and blessed so that all may understand the Word of God through them–this second time they are not prevented from preaching to Gentiles or Samaritans or anyone else, but all are able to receive the Kingdom of God! Recall a time you have felt such a Kingdom of God present in your life. How have you been blessed by His covenant?
This week's reflection is by Frank Amuso, Holy Cross College class of 2026.
Reflection for Sunday June 25th by Ange
Sunday Gospel: Mt 10:26-33
In this gospel passage, Jesus is telling us to not be ashamed of God. He states that when we openly proclaim his name, he will allow us into salvation with his Father, but when we cower, he will deny us before God. In today’s world, especially with social media, most people are afraid to admit to their Christian faith out of fear of being judged. Most people may say that they are Christian amongst people who share their faith, but do they acknowledge it outside of religious gatherings? Do they pray or share the gospel? We need to recognize God and not be ashamed of him. How can you be more open about your christian faith? This week's reflection is by Ange, OMC class of 2023 and Merion Mercy class of 2027 |
Reflection for Sunday June 4th by Dylan M
Sunday Gospel Solemnity of Most Holy Trinity Jn 3:16-18
The short Gospel for this Sunday is like an elevator pitch. This passage is about God’s immense, unending love for us, his sons and daughters. God sent his son to the world, so the world shall be saved. God will not condemn those who believe in him, but if you don't believe in him, you will be condemned. If you are not condemned, you will have eternal life in heaven with God. While this sounds harsh we must always balance out God’s justice with mercy. I challenge you to put your faith in action and go out and help someone in your community. This week's reflection is by Dylan, OMC class of 2023. |
Reflection for Sunday June 11th- Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ by Elodie
Sunday Gospel Jn 6:51-58
This week’s passage talks about Jesus teaching the Jewish crowd about the body and blood. He talks about how the body and blood will grant eternal life to those who taste it. He is basically talking about the Eucharist. The Eucharist gives us eternal life when we take part in it, which ties in with what Jesus was discussing with the Jewish crowd. I think a good thing to get out of this passage is that Jesus is both divine and human. Talking about his body and blood shows that while he is divine, he is also a human, just like us. It is easy to forget that Jesus was flesh and blood like us, but this makes it clearer. Speaking of having more than one part, the Eucharist has a physical and spiritual meaning. Of course, they are both real. It’s not a fake piece of bread, or a fake cup of wine, but while they are physically present, they also are spiritual nourishment. Take a few moments to reflect on the Eucharist when you receive it this week. This week's reflection is by Elodie, OMC class of 2023 and MSJA class of 2027. |