THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JUNE 27, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading from the Book of Wisdom Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24

God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the netherworld on earth, for justice is undying. For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.

REFLECTION

In the Gospel we see a father grieving for his 12 year old daughter who is at the point of death. She dies before Jesus arrives. Jesus wakes her up.

We see a desperate woman suffering from hemorrhaging for 12 years, doing her very best to get well. Maybe she had a family to care for, maybe she is running out of money. Jesus heals her.

In both cases Jesus gave them hope. Hope was directed to God, His Father. Through their sufferings, the people were able to witness the divinity of God and they were able to witness their faith.

All walks of life--the important, rich ruler of the synagogue to the poor woman who was part of the crowd--God hears all our prayers.

Nothing is impossible with God. And it is with this belief that I can continue on with hope that "God did not make death nor that He rejoices in the destruction of the living".

Do we approach God with expectant faith or with skeptical doubt? Do we approach God for a miracle, a consolation, or reassurance that all will be well according to His will? Are we disappointed if we don't get what we wanted or desired? Or do we persevere to see the goodness, kindness and love of God who created us in His image, His own nature?

As we hear that Jesus gives of Himself, takes personal concern for our needs, and is ready to heal, may we also give ourselves wholly and freely to those whom we meet.

"Man by himself is nothing, but with the Holy Spirit he is very great." Ask the Holy Spirit's help to do good for the sake of Jesus, our Lord. (PAPA Top Secret II, The Secret to Eternal Life)

God Bless You