These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
When I found your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart, Because I bore your name, O LORD, God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/073124.cfm
It took Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) some time to find God’s words . . . but once found he really did devour them and gladly bore God’s name the rest of his life. It was at the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat that Ignatius, on pilgrimage in 1522, gave his sword to the Virgin of Montserrat as a sign of his conversion.
Let my eyes stream with tears day and night, without rest, Over the great destruction which overwhelms the virgin daughter of my people, over her incurable wound. Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed? We wait for peace, to no avail; for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We recognize, O LORD, our wickedness, the guilt of our fathers; that we have sinned against you. For your name's sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not. (Jer 14:17-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/073024.cfm
Jeremiah, like most of the prophets, was not a very popular. In fact, his life was always in danger. But his love for God’s people brought forth some of the most tragic poetry in all the prophets. Today’s picture is by Marc Chagall, Jeremiah, Man of Tears.
Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world." (Jn 11:19-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072924.cfm
Martha, Mary and Lazarus are very close to the Lord. As the sisters send word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is ill.” So it is fitting to celebrate in one feast these beloved friends of the Lord and their home in Bethany where we can all find welcome.
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. (Jn 6:1-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072824.cfm
Because Mark’s gospel is so short, the lectionary fills it out with Chapter 6 from the Fourth Gospel (according to John) over the next few Sundays. And the passages that follow this Sunday’s reading form what is called The Bread of Life Discourse. Of course, the Lord knows well what he is doing—feeding hungry people is an essential part of the Bread of Life!
Put not your trust in the deceitful words: "This is the temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!" Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with his neighbor; if you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place, or follow strange gods to your own harm, will I remain with you in this place, in the land I gave your fathers long ago and forever. (Jeremiah 7:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072724.cfm
The prophecy of Jeremiah continues the tradition of the prophets in calling for justice, especially justice for aliens, widows and orphans. Unfortunately, many church people choose to ignore these passages. As they say, “Catholic Social Teaching is our best kept secret!” But according to the prophets, justice is the essence of faith. Justice is not optional.
