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.
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.
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.
