Community Word: Disciples of Christ are empowered to proclaim the Good News.
Order: “Come and see the works of God…” (Ps 66:5)
Reflection:
Our Community Word for July – Disciples of Christ are empowered to proclaim the Good News, reminds us that there is indeed still much to be done to promote the Kingdom of God, and as empowered Christian disciples we are called upon to help in the work of the Gospel. We can turn life’s challenges into opportunities for those who want to know God more and who are hungry for His word. Even if we feel insignificant, we can be an influential force in the lives of others. God calls us to lead others to Him; all we have to do is speak the truth in love and set a Christ-like example for others. The Community Order for July directs us to – “Come and see the works of God…” (Ps 66:5). Therefore, in response to God’s command, let us produce abundant harvest for His greater glory.
The theme for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time is – Disciple of Christ are empowered when they perform mission work. As His missionaries, Jesus encourages us to spread His gospel wherever we go, sharing His merciful love, peace, and joy. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest,” (Lk 10:2). Every follower of Jesus should share in His mission to proclaim the good news of Salvation to all. This is both a privilege and a task. We are to give our all in proclaiming Jesus’ message of salvation and to testify to His saving love. In accepting this mission, no matter what the obstacles may be, there is joy in serving in His vineyard, for our promise is expressed in Luke 10:20b – “…rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
On the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the theme is – Disciples of Christ are empowered when they show mercy and compassion. The gospel can be summed up in one word – LOVE. “And who is our neighbor?” (Lk 10:29b). The unlovable, unjust, arrogant, our persecutor or enemy – we have to love them all. How do we show love? Not to judge but to understand. To love is not to avoid but to help them, not to ignore but to search out for them, not to criticize but to reconcile with them. Not to feel better than them but to ease their struggles. Love of neighbor demands that we express sympathy and concern. It is not only the desire to help others, but to do something for others with sincerity, without counting the cost. So, we bring the promise of His gospel to the last, the least, and the lost: “The Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds, he spurns not,” (Ps 69:34).
Disciples of Christ are empowered when they reflect on God’s word and serve othersis the theme for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The gospel of Luke about Martha and Mary is a good example of a relationship of heart and hand – a balance between prayers and deeds, combination of words and works. Our prayers must be seen in the way we live our life. It is said “preach what you believe, practice what you preach.” We pray and act, we praise God and we yield good things for Him. Every disciple must not only spend time in loving service, but such must be balanced with prayerful meditation on the word of God and constant reflection on the teachings and examples of Jesus. Jesus tells us: “…. you are anxious and worried about many things,” (Lk 10:41b). This is a reminder that as much as we need to work, we also need to be alone with God, to make both our work and life meaningful and grace-filled. In Psalm 15: 2,5b, we are given this assurance when we live a spiritual life: “The one who walks blamelessly and does justice, who thinks the truth in his heart, shall never be disturbed.”
The theme for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time is – Disciples of Christ are empowered when they persistently intercede for others. There is no spiritual life to speak of if praying is not our way of life, for prayer is essential to live a purposely life. It is our communication life-line to God. Our prayer must be persistent, a constant habit, and more importantly, the expression of our love and commitment to God. Jesus asks for only one thing in praying – to have perseverance in prayer. When we pray, we show our complete trust in God, believing and being confident that He will respond to us and to our intercession for others, in His perfect will and in His perfect time. We are challenged to know what we pray, and believe and live what we pray for. For this, Jesus assures us, “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened,” (Lk 11:10).
Prayer:
Dear Lord of the Harvest, continue to inspire us to be humble and willing laborers in Your vineyard. Grant us the grace to be truly part of Your mission to spread the gospel of love and build your Kingdom on earth. Give us the joy in our hearts as we minister to the poor, testify to your word, persevere in our prayers and share our blessings with those who are in want. Amen.
