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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 20-06-2021

In the Storm: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Do you not yet have faith?” Our Lord’s question in today’s Gospel frames the Sunday liturgies for the remainder of the year, which the Church calls “Ordinary Time.”

In the weeks ahead, the Church’s liturgy will have us journeying with Jesus and His disciples, reliving their experience of His words and deeds, coming to know and believe in Him as they did.

Notice that today’s Psalm almost provides an outline for the Gospel. We sing of sailors caught in a storm; in their desperation, they call to the Lord and He rescues them.

Mark’s Gospel today also intends us to hear a strong echo of the story of the prophet Jonah. He, too, was found asleep on a boat when a life-threatening storm broke out that caused his fellow travelers to pray for deliverance, and then to marvel when the storm abated (see Jonah 1:3–16).

But Jesus is something greater than Jonah (see Matthew 12:41). And Mark wants us to come to see what the Apostles saw—that God alone has the power to rebuke the wind and the sea (see Isaiah 50:2;
Psalm 18:16). This is the point of today’s First Reading.

If even the wind and sea obey Him, shouldn’t we trust Him in the chaos and storms of our own lives?

As with the Apostles, the Lord has asked each of us to cross to the other side, to leave behind our old ways to travel with Him in the little ship of the Church.

In their fear today, they call Him, “Teacher.” And it is only faith in His teaching that can save us from perishing. We should trust in Christ, and trust like Christ—who was able to sleep through the storm, confident that God was with Him (see Psalm 116:6; Romans 8:31).

We should live in thanksgiving for our salvation, as today’s Epistle tells us—as new creations, no longer for ourselves but for Him who died for our sake.

 Read today’s Readings here

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 20-06-2021

Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 4:35-41 Jesus calms the storm.

As we continue in Ordinary Time, our reading today is taken from the Gospel of Mark, the primary Gospel reading in Lectionary Cycle B. Mark’s Gospel presents a vivid portrait of Jesus, whose words and deeds show that he is the Son of God. Today’s Gospel describes the end of a day of teaching in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus taught the crowd in parables and then offered explanations of these parables to his disciples. Jesus then led his disciples away from the crowds and into the boats that they will use to cross the Sea of Galilee. The sea and its surrounding area are the settings for Jesus’ teachings and miracles in this part of Mark’s Gospel. Today’s reading describes how Jesus calmed a storm at sea. It is the first of four miracles that are presented in sequence at this point in Mark’s Gospel.

As is typical in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples are frightened by the sudden storm; they do little to inspire confidence in the reader. Mark notes the contrast between the disciples’ terror and Jesus’ peace. Jesus is sleeping, untroubled by what is going on around him.

The disciples’ words to Jesus are telling. They are familiar enough with Jesus to dare to wake him. Their words to him are words of reproach, questioning his care for them. A careful reader might wonder what the disciples expected Jesus to do. Are they more troubled by the storm or by Jesus’ inattentiveness to their needs? How many of us have chided a family member or friend for not agreeing with our assessment of the severity of a situation?

Today’s Gospel offers evidence of Jesus’ power and authority as he calms the storm. In his day, power over nature was believed to be a sign of divinity—only God calms storms. Jesus’ rebuke of the storm also echoes the rebuke he uses when he talks to and expels demons. In each situation, Jesus’ power and authority is a sign of his divinity. Indeed, the disciples are left wondering about Jesus’ identity at the conclusion of today’s Gospel. They see before them a human being who acts with the authority and power of God. The disciples’ uncertainty about Jesus’ identity is a recurring them in Mark’s Gospel.

This Gospel is a metaphor for our lives. We are in the boat, the storms of life are raging around us, and like the disciples, we may believe that Jesus is unconcerned, or “sleeping.” We hope that we will be as familiar with Jesus as his disciples. If we feel that Jesus is sleeping, are we comfortable enough to wake Jesus and present him with our needs? Jesus does not chide his disciples for waking him. Instead he chides them for their lack of faith, for their lack of perspective. When we bring our worries to God in prayer, we might just begin to learn to see things from God’s perspective.

Friends, in this wonderful story of the calming of the storm at sea, we witness the spiritual dynamics of fear and trust. This beautiful narrative suggests that if we but awaken to the presence of Christ within us, then we can withstand storms.

Click this link to Hear Bishop Barron’s Podcast on this week’s gospel:

WHY IS LIFE SO FULL OF SUFFERING? CYCLE B ORDINARY TIME WEEK 12 by Bishop Robert Barron June 20th 2021

Friends, the book of Job is one of the most profound and most challenging books in the entire Bible. In today’s reading, we see that God does not hand-wave away Job’s suffering. Rather, the Lord places profound hurt and heartache in an infinitely greater context—into his loving providence. We must not narrow our focus on our pain; we must rather open ourselves to ever greater trust.

 The story of Jesus calming the storm at sea is an archetypal description of the church down through the ages. We find ourselves in the midst of storms, but as long as Christ sails with us, we can find peace.

https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-storm-at-sea/845/

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 ‘Even the wind and the sea obey him’

With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

 Read today’s Readings here

Faith Over Fear 12th Sunday Ordinary Time (Year B) Homily on Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41.Faith over Fear (Mark 4:35 – 41) 12th Sunday in ordinary time (Year B). Although Jesus performed an astonishing miracle of calming the storm, his disciples are filled with confusion and terror. The story of Jesus calming the storm is about faith over fear Mark 4:35-41 (Year B) Homily. Jesus explains the purpose of the parables to his close disciples. But even after all the teaching, the disciples don’t get it. In fact, after the miracles, the disciples are gripped with fear – although amazed but remain unbelieving.

Why Jesus walked away? Why do you need to walk away from the popular crowd? Jesus left the multitude, instructing his disciples to go to the other side. The other side was Gentile territory. Why would Jesus leave a favorable crowd? What leaving the multitude mean for us today? The other side is an uncomfortable crowd. Is Jesus demonstrating faith to move into the unfamiliar to complete the mission entrusted to him?

Jesus walked away from the crowds either to pray or to carry on his work. Jesus refused to be seduced by popularity. We find it difficult to walk away from a favorable crowd – our comfort zone. Is it a challenge to move beyond the people in the pews or those who fill the coffers of the institution? We need to walk away to spend time alone in prayer, to discern whether a popular opinion is according to the Biblical teaching.

Walking away from popularity may initially increase the intensity of fear, but it is time for faith – to trust God.

by Father Feroz Fernandes  https://www.ferozfernandes.com/ Interested to read my blogs https://www.ferozfernandes.com/blog

REFLECTION

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are in my boat. I want a stronger faith in you. I trust that you will lead me, sinful though I am, to your good harbor. I love you for always accompanying me in this life.

Petition: Lord, help me to grow in faith.

  1. Crossing to the Other Side: We know that we will not remain on earth forever. There is another shore that is our home. Christ has come to remind us of this and show us how to get to that place. Do I take Christ into my boat and let him indicate what I must do in my life? Or do I hold myself back, not accepting the adventure of putting out into the deep with Christ? What is it that holds me back?
  2. Teacher, We Are Perishing! Christ allows our boat to be tossed by difficulties that sometimes seem insurmountable. Having him in our boat is not a guarantee that things will go smoothly. We need to discover that he is working in the midst of difficulties. We need to ask what he is teaching us. If in the midst of trials we are drawing closer to him, there can be a real grace working. Yet many times we find that we let our confidence in him slip when things get rough. We have not yet learned that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
  3. The Lord of the Wind and the Sea: We need to keep in mind that Christ has the ultimate victory. He allows difficulties so that we can grow in abandoning ourselves to him. When life hurts and it makes no sense, we need to deepen our faith in the One who has conquered sin and death. He will write the final chapter in our life. He will bring us to the safe harbor. We can bolster our faith in him today by keeping our eyes on his promises and his presence. We can renew our confidence that he will not let our prayers go unanswered but will respond in his time with a power and efficacy beyond what we expect. In continuing to sail this boat in the midst of the storm, we are giving him the total control over our destiny. We can be in no safer hands.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I know that when you allow difficulties in my life you are trying to strengthen my faith and make me see that I need to turn to you. Help me take advantage of these difficulties so I might abandon myself more totally to you. I want to learn to trust you as the Lord of my life. Bring me to safe harbor.

Resolution: I will analyze one of the greater difficulties in my life and see where I need to apply greater trust in God.

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 20-06-2021

Jesus Calms the Storm! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B. (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the Trinity Sunday, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm…​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media

In Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 4:35-41 Trust in God – Jesus calms the storm. 

In today’s Gospel reading the apostles became very afraid when a storm came up and the boat they were in started to sink. Jesus was asleep in the boat, but when they woke Him up He told the storm to stop and it did!

Have you ever been very afraid? There are lots of things that can really scare us. Jesus wants us to turn to Him with faith when we are afraid. Sometimes God lets ,, If ever you feel scared, pray to Jesus right away. He can help to calm your fear, and He can help you to make good decisions. God is always there for us, even when things seem hopeless!

Also, there are many situations in which someone might be encouraged to “have faith.” Reflecting on these circumstances can help young people consider what it means to have faith in God.

Young people have you ever heard someone tell another person to “have faith.” Ask yourself to give examples of possible situations in which someone might be told to “have faith.” Observe that this phrase can have often have different meanings, so think about its meaning in each situation.

Observe that another way to expand our understanding of a word’s meaning is to consider its antonyms. Try and name some antonyms for the word faith and list these on the board (for example, doubt, fear, despair).

This Sunday’s Gospel describes a situation in which Jesus questions whether the disciples have faith. Let’s listen carefully to this Gospel reading.

Try to retell this Sunday’s Gospel in your own words. What do you think Jesus meant when he asked his disciples, “Do you not yet have faith?” In what ways is a lack of faith demonstrated by the disciples? If it is not offered, observe that one way the disciples demonstrate a lack of faith is by questioning Jesus’ care for them.

Faith is a gift from God that allows us to believe in and trust him. Faith is also our response to God and is expressed by the way we live our lives. We demonstrate faith when we trust God in all circumstances.

Let us conclude by providing time for quiet prayer. I encourage the young people to ask Jesus to strengthen your faith as you pray about a situation in which you need to “have faith.” After sufficient time, pray together the psalm for this Sunday, Psalm 107.

Closing prayer:

Here’s an easy prayer you can say: Jesus, I trust in You!

Andrew Olive, Headteacher

(Father Marcin and I have agreed that it would be good if the parish knew a little more about what is happening in school and the school community had the benefit of Fr Marcin’s thoughts on the week’s Gospel:)

 Read today’s Readings here

The Kids Bulletin: – 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time year B

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 ‘Even the wind and the sea obey him’

With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

 Read today’s Readings here

Family Connection

Worries and concerns are part of human life. Jesus teaches us, however, that we ought not to let worries and concerns consume us. Jesus teaches us that our faith ought to lead us to trust in God’s protection and love, no matter how strong the whirlwind going on around us. Like the disciples, we can bring our worries and concerns to Jesus in prayer. Jesus will hear our cries for help. He knows that our faith can be fragile and he will act so that our trust in God will be strengthened.As you gather as a family, invite each family member to talk about something that might be worrying them. Talk about how important it is to share worries and concerns with other people. When we do this, we learn to see our worries from a different perspective. Read today’s Gospel, Mark 4:35-41. Ask your family questions such as these: Why were the disciples worried about the storm? Why wasn’t Jesus worried about the storm?When we bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, Jesus can help us see things from God’s perspective. Invite family members to name again a worry or concern and pray together that Jesus will help us have faith in God’s love and protection. Conclude in prayer together by praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 13-06-2021

What is Faith? A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the Trinity Sunday, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm…​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media

Jesus tells us that size just doesn’t matter it what we do that does.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 4:26-34, Jesus uses the story of the mustard seed to describe God’s Kingdom.

Mustard seeds are tiny but grow into big bushes with big branches. Big enough for birds to be able to sit in and get out of the sun.

Jesus is telling us that size doesn’t matter – even the tiniest seed can produce a great big tree. And the same is true for us – even the smallest person can do great things. And even the smallest action can have big results.

For example, talking to someone if they look lonely, is a little thing you can do – it hardly takes any time at all. But to the person who is lonely, it can make a really big difference.
And if lots of people do something small, it can make a really, really big difference. A bit like how a drop of water isn’t very much on its own, but
join it together with thousands of other drops, and you get the great big sea! Together, small actions add up to make a big difference. The smallest seed can grow into the biggest bush. What small actions will you take this week to make a difference to other people?

Closing prayer:

Loving God, you show us that the littlest actions can have huge results, and that the smallest of people can do great things. Inspire us to play our part in making the world a fairer place for all people. Amen.

Andrew Olive, Headteacher

(Father Marcin and I have agreed that it would be good if the parish knew a little more about what is happening in school and the school community had the benefit of Fr Marcin’s thoughts on the week’s Gospel:)

 Read today’s Readings here

 “It is God who makes it grow. Man is his humble collaborator, who contemplates and rejoices in divine creative action and waits patiently for its fruits.” – Pope Francis, Angelus 2015

The Kids Bulletin: – 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time year B

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 The kingdom of God is a mustard seed growing into the biggest shrub of all

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

 Read today’s Readings here

Family Connection

Church documents call the Christian family the “domestic church.” This is both a compliment and a call to commitment. Because the family is a community formed in love and dedicated to the physical and spiritual growth of its members, it is a miniature version of the Kingdom of God on earth. This Sunday’s Gospel Reading, Mark 4:26–34, consists of two parables that Jesus used to help us discern the mystery of the Kingdom of God. The beginning of the kingdom is compared to a tiny seed that over time matures and ripens. Many of the things we do within the family seem insignificant. They are part of our daily activity and attract little attention. Yet they show our love and concern for one another. According to the Gospel, it’s these small things that yield big results, acting as significant contributions to the growth of God’s kingdom on earth. The growth of the seed illustrates the nature and the results of a strong faith.

Read aloud together the Gospel of Mark 4:26–34. Consider how your family’s concerns reflect the Church’s concerns for those members who are poor, forgotten, hungry, ill, shunned, or lonely. Together think of a specific action that you can do to assist a person in your extended family, neighborhood, or parish. Now pray together the Lord’s Prayer, pausing briefly to consider the import of the words “thy kingdom come.” Each evening this week as you gather for supper, share with one another the simple acts of love you witnessed within the family that day.

 

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 13-06-2021

Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 4:26–34 The reign of God is like a mustard seed.

After Lent, the Easter season, and three Sundays of feast days—Pentecost, Most Holy Trinity, and Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—the Church returns to Ordinary Time. This Sunday’s Gospel from Mark carries a significant message regarding faith and the Kingdom of God.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus appears reluctant to reveal his identity as the Son of God. After performing miracles of healing, he warns those cured to tell no one (see Mark 1:44, 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, and 8:26). Also, when preaching, Jesus chooses to speak to the crowds in parables, leaving them to discern his message. Only to his disciples does he explain the parable’s meaning, and he does this in private at a later time.

Today’s Gospel Reading consists of two parables about seeds. In the first, Jesus tells those gathered that this is “how it is with the kingdom of God.” A man scatters seed which over time sprouts and develops. Then when the grain is ripe, the man harvests his crop. The emphasis in the parable is on the seed, which seemingly has the power to grow on its own. In this it is like the Kingdom of God. While on earth, Jesus planted the seeds of the kingdom by his life, miracles, teaching, and suffering. However, the kingdom is not yet fully established. Although already present in Jesus and his group of twelve, it has yet to come to fruition; just as the seed in the parable needs time to grow, so does God’s kingdom.

The second parable focuses on the tiny mustard seed. Though not the smallest of all seeds, it is most likely the smallest that a first-century farmer in Jesus’ part of the world would have sown. Small as the mustard seed is, it develops into a tree. Though the mustard tree generally averages only nine to twelve feet in height, it has a wide expanse and provides a nesting place for birds. Just as the tree welcomes the birds, so is God’s kingdom welcoming and open to many.

These parables help us discern something about the kingdom of God and our own faith. In God we live and move and have our being, but God is a mystery and his kingdom, though present, has not yet come into its fullness. Today, the Kingdom of God is present in the Church. The mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom given to the Apostles is now given to us. But just as seeds need time to come to fruition, so does the Kingdom of God. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “thy kingdom come.” We know that it will come in its fullness at the end of time. All we need is faith.

Reflecting on the Scripture Readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jeff Cavins encourages us to not be afraid or ashamed of small beginnings, because the kingdom of God itself is like a mustard seed.

Click this link to Hear Bishop Barron’s Podcast on this week’s gospel:

THE LAST KING STANDING CYCLE B ORDINARY TIME WEEK 11 by Bishop Robert Barron June 13th 2021

Friends, in our Gospel today, Christ paints a picture of a growing mustard tree, under whose shade all people are invited to dwell. Jesus speaks here, using a parable, about the reign and rule of God. Even now, the kingdom of God—the kingdom that finally matters and endures—is spreading far and wide across the whole world.

 Friends, our Gospel for today features the parable of the mustard seed. How does God tend to work? From the very small to the very great—and by a slow, gradual process. God tends to operate under the radar, not drawing attention to himself.

https://wordonfire.podbean.com/e/the-mustard-seed-principle/

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 The kingdom of God is a mustard seed growing into the biggest shrub of all

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

Lectio Reflection – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mark 4:26-34

Mark 4:26-34 26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” The Parable of the Mustard Seed 30 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Faith Life Our faith is in Jesus who comes to us as the human face of God. Faith life is human life lived in a deeply personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. Jesus is our friend and lover, the most significant point of reference in our life. We need to lead our life conscientiously and intentionally so that all that we do is done within the context of our love relationship with Jesus.

Faith leadership is a natural expression of our faith life. There can be no faith leadership without faith life. Whatever the form this leadership takes, it is essentially an act of faith, bringing to the leadership situation Christ himself. Jesus is the model of faith leadership, just as He is the model of faith life.

We invite you to share with us your prayerful reflection on The Sunday Gospel readings with Bishop David Walker, Fr John Frauenfelder and Virginia Ryan These Lectio Reflections provide the framework to develop our faith life. Our faith is in Jesus who comes to us as the human face of God. Faith life is human life lived in a deeply personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. Jesus is our friend and lover, the most significant point of reference in our life. We need to lead our life conscientiously and intentionally so that all that we do is done within the context of our love relationship with Jesus. Lectio Divina is one of the ways we can develop this.

 Read today’s Readings here

REFLECTION

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe you have called me to strive tirelessly to extend your Kingdom throughout the world. I hope in you because you are the one the Father sent. I love you. Thank you for inviting me to be an apostle of your Kingdom.

Petition: Lord Jesus, make me an apostle of your Kingdom.

1. Kingdom of God: Christ returns to this theme again and again. It was the topic of his first public sermon. He gives us the image of the mustard seed which grows to be the largest of plants and in turn serves other creatures’ needs. The Kingdom of God is like this. God is king and his Kingdom, like the mustard tree, is a safe haven for us. We can dwell in its shade, rest on its branches, and find protection from evils. All we have to do is be faithful subjects of our King, following his commands and going out to spread the news of his Kingdom to all people.

2. Modest Beginnings: We should not get anxious when we do not progress in the spiritual life as fast as we would like. God moves us along little by little. The life of our relationship with Christ does not depend solely on us, but on him. We are like good farmers who do our part to make sure the conditions are good for the seed to grow, but it is the Creator who makes the growth happen. Often, we do not perceive the work of God in our souls until much time has passed. However, he is constantly there, pulling out our weeds one at a time, and pushing our virtues to the surface.

3. Called to Greatness: Two thousand years ago, Christ’s Church started off like a small mustard seed. It has grown and matured to be a huge plant with many branches. I am one of those branches. Christ brings life to my branch and assigns me a specific task. He calls me to participate in the great mission of his Church. Do I realize and relish how great it is to be a Catholic, how much good the Church does, how I am called to be a link that will bring others to experience the same goodness I have experienced?

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, I am a member of your Mystical Body. I want to partake in your mission of bringing all souls to know and love you. I have found my joy in you, and now I have a burning desire to make it known to all people. Lord, I pray for the courage to keep going, never tiring from the mission you have given me.

Resolution: I will take a moment in prayer to reflect on how God has worked in my life, making me grow.


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