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.
Alleluia (Lk 8:15)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072624.cfm
The names of Joachim and Anne do not come from the Scriptures but rather from early Christian Tradition. The church designates their feast day as a day to honor grandparents and all seniors. https://youtu.be/nzi80KoEDuA?si=GAffiU48UEwzlv46
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers (James and John). But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt 20: 20-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072524.cfm
Jesus has to remind the disciples, that being a disciple is all about service, not power, not seats of honor, not golden vessels nor fancy vestments nor impressive titles. For “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Today’s photo is of the reliquary in the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela that holds the remains the Apostle James.
The word of the LORD came to me thus: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. “Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD answered me, Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD. (Jer 1:1, 4-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072424.cfm
Was Jeremiah really too young as he says? Or was it simply part of the excuses we all use when God calls us? But God can break through all our defenses. “Do not be afraid, I am with you to deliver you!”
Jesus said in reply, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12:46-50)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072324.cfm
What is the requirement for being a member of the family of Jesus? Is it race, ethnicity, skin color, church membership, party affiliation, immigration status, gender identity, a fat bank account, social class? Jesus tells us, “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Today’s hymn says that Christ needs you to love: “Do not care about race or skin color. Love everyone as brothers and sisters and do good.” https://youtu.be/GiVtA9PBrZg?si=hKqJMMWr-0s4FiEd
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he told her. (Jn 20:1-2, 11-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072224.cfm
The church has always called Mary Magdalene the “Apostle to the Apostles.” Her celebration has the rank of ‘feast,’ the same dignity as any of the apostles. The Risen Lord appeared first to Mary Magalene, as the Fourth Gospel (the one called According to John) clearly states. Even though some have conveniently ignored this detail, Mary Magdalene still proudly proclaims to the disciples and to the church, “I have seen the Lord!”
