bFourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Dear friends in Christ: On this Sunday we are reminded of the love that God has for us all. We are called to put our faith in Him and to entrust ourselves in His care. The message from today’s Scripture readings is indeed apt and fitting - especially during these days when we are facing so many challenges and trials with hardships and troubles all around us. In today’s first reading, the Lord promises the coming of salvation when the King Himself would come to Jerusalem and bring forth salvation and new life to all of His beloved people. In that same passage, we hear of the Lord speaking of how there would no longer be chariots and horses in Ephraim and Jerusalem. Remember, both kingdoms had been divided since the time of King Solomon’s death they had been feuding for several centuries. Therefore, the Lord spoke of the coming of the good time - when the people would no longer be divided. And of the times when they would be restored and strengthened - when the veil of shame and humiliation would be lifted from them. This promise was fulfilled when Christ came into this world and revealed the fulfilment of God’s long planned salvation of His people. As the Gospel passage today tells us: Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of all, has brought with Him the truth of God. He will save all humankind: There is salvation through Him, by believing in Him and trusting in Him. Jesus calls on all of us to come to Him, to seek Him and to put our trust in Him. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We ought to seek our rest in Him. We should ask ourselves: are we willing to come and seek Him? Or have we been distracted and swayed to follow the wrong and false paths that are promoted by the devil and all those seeking to turn us away from God? This is where, we as Christians, must show good examples, and strive to be stronger, - to live with genuine faith in Him. Jesus’ yoke helps us hold our tongue or use kind and encouraging words - to be of help to a person in need. This keeps our prayer life strong. An easy yoke means we are not afflicted by an onslaught of greed, envy, injustice, discrimination, prejudice, etc. It is the joy of a quiet conscience. What the Lord wants us to realize is that by putting our trust in Him, we gain the assurance of true glory and joy. We are guaranteed the eternity of rest and new life, a new existence with Him, free from the shackles and chains of sin, and reconciled completely to Him. We must not, instead, think in worldly terms and matters. By seeking vain glory and worldly satisfaction, fame and pleasure, we are straying from God and not being faithful to Him. St. Paul reminds us that we have all shared in the death of Christ through our baptism. By His death, we have all been redeemed by His loving sacrifice on the Cross. As the Lord triumphed over death and conquered sin, He also rose in glory and Resurrection. Therefore, all of us have also shared in His Resurrection into a new life - a new Christian way of life - that each one of us is called to live up to, by the Lord Himself. During these first few months of 2020, we have witnessed how the usual order of this world has been completely disturbed and affected. The coronavirus pandemic and its negative effects on the world’s economy and society as a whole and when coupled with protests which sometimes turn chaotic, shock us. News coverage, both fair and divisive, causes much fear and uncertainty, making this year one of the worst in recent history. All we want is to live good lives, but many of us have suffered or have been disturbed by illness or employment problems. What we once thought to be secure and good has turned frustrating. People are losing their savings and income. Panic of economic recession looms with the struggling stock exchanges. People have been sickened or lost their loved ones to the illness, or been disabled by what has happened. Let us all try to realize that whatever assurances and strengths we used to take for granted in this world, all of these stood for nothing and are meaningless in the end. There is nothing worldly, no matter how great or plentiful, that can help us. Instead, let us use this opportunity to realize just how fortunate we are to be beloved by God - to have The One who has always cared for us and lavished His love and attention towards us. It is in God alone that we have sure hope and trust. We cannot take His love for granted. His Love is steadfast. Let us all take on the yoke and burden the Lord has given us with faith - entrusting ourselves to God, no matter what we may face in life. Let us all carry on living our lives as good and genuine Christians, committing ourselves to Him daily. We can be inspirations and good examples to one another. Let us remember: we are not the general managers of the Universe, but God is! May the Lord heal our land, our families and our life. May He help us to persevere through all the challenges and trials we encounter, and renew our hope and trust in Him as we continue to endure the current effects of this pandemic and other societal problems. May the Lord show us the way forward, give us the courage and strength to endure it. Amen.
General Intercessions: WE PRAY - That the members of the Church be filled with the Spirit and recommit themselves as good stewards. - That the leaders of this great country provide adequate care for those injured in its service. - That those responsible for public safety, especially firefighters, police, and military personnel, come home safely to their families. - That all who are weary from the burdens of daily life find support and solace in the love of Jesus. - That all who gather at this table find in their faith the strength to meet every difficulty.
Mass Intentions for each day - We pray for all of our St. Mary family and for: 6/27/2020 - Saturday Vigil Mass: + Ida Motsinger 6/28/2020 - Sunday 8:30: Healing for Gregory Molley 6/28/2020 - Sunday 10:30: Healing for Dave Brown 6/29/2020 - Monday: + Roy and Dorothy Terheggen 7/1/2020 - Wednesday: All those who are sick and their caregivers 7/2/2020 - Thursday: Donna Malendyke 7/3/2020 - Friday: All members of our parish community who are sick and recovering