16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Ephesians 2: 13-18; Mark 6: 30-34
Scripture for today can be found at www.usccb.org/nab.
It is amazing how often small, sometimes seemingly insignificant, interactions can have a “ripple” effect and can stay with us for a while. In fact stories abound about wonderful moments that made a great difference in a person’s life. I know that I’ve received many such stories that circulate via mail. And as we continue to learn each day, we are amazingly connected.
God’s Word today can speak to us of this connection we have to God and to each other.
Unfortunately some people do have a negative influence; they “mislead and scatter” those to whom they are connected (Jeremiah). But this Word also tells us that God’s desire is to “gather… to reconcile… to make peace” (Ephesians).
In our own lives, particularly in the summertime, we might find ourselves interacting with others in ways that are different from our interactions at other times of the year. Like Jesus and his friends, we might find ourselves “in the boat” or involved in community projects of some kind (Mark)
This week we can use God’s Word to remember our connection with God who is present to strengthen us and nourish us (Psalm 23- Responsorial Psalm), and we can remember that we continue God’s work in our everyday lives in our interactions of caring for others, nourishing them in different ways, and trying to bring peace.
To think about: When have I experienced a sense of connection with a group or a community?
Do I have a connection with family and community? Do I encourage efforts to build community?
Do I know anyone who feels like a "stranger or alien" (Ephesians)? How do I try to include others in groups?
Has this summer become such a busy time that I and my family have been "coming and going… with no leisure even to eat" (Mark)? Do we need to make some changes in our schedules in order to appreciate each other and enjoy each other's company? Or do we need to move beyond the limits of our own family activity to become involved in a more inclusive community activity?
To do: Participate in a community endeavor and encourage those who give their time, talent and energies to such endeavors. Affirm your child's efforts to include someone new in his or her group.
Become involved with your child in an outreach effort to help others by visiting someone who is lonely, or by helping to feed someone who is hungry; community possibilities abound.
Take out family photos and reacquaint your child with family ancestors, those who were “shepherds”, who care for others and brought joy.
Do an internet search for information about some of the saints, especially those who might have a special meaning for someone in the family. A good resource site is http://www.findinggod.org/., Loyola Publication’s website.
To pray: "We, though many, throughout the earth - we are one Body in this one Lord.”
Next week: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 2Kings 4:42-44; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15
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