12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year I)
Community Word: Sharing God’s word and His love brings newness of life.
Theme: Dying to ourselves for the benefit of others brings newness of life.
Promise: “… my soul clings fast to you, your right hand upholds me…” (Ps 63:9)
Reflection:
The cost of discipleship – this is what the readings of this Sunday are about.
It starts with a story of a just and innocent man (King Josiah) who was killed by the people of Jerusalem. Later realizing they had killed an innocent man, the people repented, grieving and mourning for the man they themselves had put to death. This story is juxtaposed against the story of Jesus, a just and righteous man in all His ways, yet condemned by the very people He loved and favoured.
The 2nd Reading is an exhortation reminding us of a common identity, “we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized in union with Christ are enveloped by him,” (Gal 3:26-27). In other words, our baptism not only washed away our sins, but also we are made one in Christ. We are clothed with Him, meaning we are identified with Him. As baptized Christians, we have stripped ourselves of our old self, old pattern of behavior and have put on a new self, a new garment that is continually being transformed into the heart and character of Christ, into His likeness and image. This newness of life is borne out of our response to the many challenges in life. Cross bearing or suffering is an integral part of our growth to become more like Christ, whose sacrifice brought about our salvation. Likewise, when we go through and overcome adversities in life for the sake of Christ, it not only brings about a spiritual benefit to self but to other people as well.
This brings us to the Gospel Reading which confronts the disciples with the question: “Who do you say I am?” Though baptized in one body in Christ, each of us may offer different answers to this same question because we have different views, life experiences and/or depth of our faith and knowledge of God. But even so, our identity as Christians remains the same, based on following Christ’s example of selfless love and a life of righteousness and service, even at risk of being persecuted, ostracized, laughed at, or worse, stoned to death. But dying to self is not without its own reward, for Jesus tells us “For anyone who wants to follow me must put aside his own desires and conveniences and carry his cross with him every day and keep close to me. Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life loses it,” (Lk 9:23-24).
To be sure, the self-giving love we are called to give requires much self-denial and sacrifice, but Jesus assures us in our gospel today that it is the surest way to gain eternal life, and reap the fruit of love, peace, harmony and joy. Because of His love, mercy and compassion, Jesus freely gave his life for us. He is God’s gift to us, our deliverer, teacher, and role model. Therefore we look to Him as the source of our strength, wisdom and knowledge. All good things emanate from Him – love, joy, peace. As we cling to Him, we hold fast to His promise in Psalm 63:9, “… my soul clings fast to you, your right hand upholds me…”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have showed me the way to love. I must admit it is no easy thing to do. But I believe in my weakness You are strong. And so I ask You to rid me of all excess pride and self-love, and fill me with more of Your love, that I may love others as You love them, and as you love me. For I want to follow You. I want to be more like You. I pray this in Your name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. How are the readings of this Sunday relevant to my present situation?
Am I experiencing difficulties living my Christian life/duties?
2. Who is Jesus to me? How, and in what way/s, am I having difficulties in following Jesus?
3. What do I resolve to do?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
June 23, 2013 (Sun) Zec 12:10,11;13:1/Ps 63:2-6,8,9/Gal 3:26-29/Lk 9:18-24
June 24, 2013 (Mon) Is 49:1-6/Ps 139:1-3,13-15/Acts 13:22-26/Lk 1:57-66,80
June 25 2013 (Tues) Gn 13:2,5-18/Ps 15:2-5/Mt 7:6,12-14
June 26, 2013 (Wed) Gn 15:1-12,17-18/Ps 105;1-4,6-9/Mt 7:15-20
June 27, 2013 (Thur) Gn 10:1-12,15,16 or Gn 16:6-12/15,16/Ps 106:1-5/Mt 7:21-29
June 28, 2013 (Fri) Gn 17:1,9,10,15-22/Ps 128:1-5/Mt 8:1-4
June 29, 2013 (Sat) Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-9/2Tm 4:6-8,17,18/My 16:13-19
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
