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.
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:27-28)
https://web-ordo-colombiano.cec.org.co/lectura-dia
Today is the patronal feast of Colombia, Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira. As Elizabeth says to Mary, "Blessed are you who have believed, for what the Lord has said to you will be fulfilled". And Jesus says to all of us: "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice".
Thus says the LORD: I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Egypt. I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. (Hosea 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070824.cfm
We are in the Summer of the Prophets. The first reading at the daily Masses will be from the prophets until the end of August. Today we have a fascinating image from the prophet Hosea: God goes a-courting! Of course, God is courting us! As God says, I will speak to your heart, in right and in justice, in love and in mercy, forever in fidelity, and we shall know the Lord.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070724.cfm
No one wants to appear weak, but Saint Paul doesn’t have that problem. Paul boasts of his weaknesses. Because of grace, Paul can say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” The movie poster is of the film, The Kite Runner, which tells the story of two boys in the midst of the Afghanistan War. As the movie states, "There is a way to be good again."
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 85)
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070624.cfm
When God speaks of peace, the Lord always includes justice. As Pope Saint Paul VI reminds the world, "If you want Peace, work for Justice" (Message for World Peace Day, 1 January 1972). https://youtu.be/o6FaYpFcTWE?si=uwRhsyynMTBJ3oLR
Dear Friends,
I will be leading a pilgrimage to the shrines of France May 19-31 with Proximo Travel (https://www.proximotravel.com/trip-store/?action=view_trip&triptemplateid=929). Before the pilgrimage, I will visit Denmark and Norway and retrace the steps of my Torp ancestors. Our pilgrimage in France will culminate in Lourdes. After the pilgrimage in France, I will visit some of the shrines of Spain, and then will head to Asheville, NC, and will help out in Saint Eugene Parish. I will return to Colombia on July 6. As a consequence, the Daily Reflection will be on break starting TODAY and will return in July. In the meantime I will be posting some reflections and pictures from my travels and from the pilgrimage as time permits. I will be remembering you, your loved ones, and all our beloved sick in my Masses and prayers.
With lots of blessings!
el padre
