17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A, Year II)

Community Word: Jesus invites us to find rest in Him.

Theme: We find rest in Jesus when we treasure Him like a pearl of great price.

Promise: “…all things work for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

Reflection:
Life is often laden with trials and obstacles; it is not easy at all. There are issues and concerns within families and communities that cause anxieties, doubts and fears. But as Christians, we know that we can take on life’s challenges when we treasure Jesus like a precious pearl, and genuinely trust in Him, knowing that only in the Lord can we truly find rest and peace. When we follow Christ and entrust in Him our burdens, our lives become light and easy amidst our suffering and pain.

Let us take this real life experience shared by a community member.

“Sometime in 2017, my mother was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma (skin cancer). We found this out when my family and I went on a cruise. We were then all so excited and expectant about the trip. But my mother had a huge blister on her arm that looked sore. She was worried but was not aware of how bad the situation was.

After we came back, my mother went to the doctor and found out about her cancer. I was at work when I got the text. Fear engulfed me, but at the same time I felt peaceful inside. When my mother came home that day and saw me, she began to cry. I just hugged her. As she cried on my shoulder, she calmly said, ‘It will all be okay.’

I honestly did not know for a fact that everything would be okay, but I just felt the peace of God in my heart. Through all this tribulation, my mother became closer to God and re-dedicated her life to Jesus. And true enough, my mother is cancer-free to this day.”

Let us allow Jesus, our “Pearl of Great Price”, to take control of our life especially during this time of uncertainty with the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only are people worried about their health, but sources of livelihood are cut-off, not to mention worries on child care and schooling, the elderly and bills to be paid. But as this pandemic threatens our life, we can only but trust in God and let our hearts be ruled by our unwavering faith in Him. The word of God tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble,” (Mt 6:33-34). He consoles us further, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me,” (Jn 14:1).

Our response should be one of persevering faith and prayer, as we declare our trust in God, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears,” (Ps 34:4). Our God is faithful and unchanging. If the Lord has always taken care of us, there is no doubt He will take care of us in our deepest need. It may seem a long road in our struggle with this pandemic, but God has also given us hope and assurance that He will never abandon His people. We just need to be humble and repentant of our disobedience to Him and He will respond swiftly with His compassion and love to heal our hearts and our land.

“…all things work for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,” (Rom 8:28) is God’s wonderful, encouraging and comforting promise to us. Despite our overwhelming problem, God makes a way because there is nothing impossible for Him. However, to take comfort in this assurance, we must respond to His grace, to His gift of the Holy Spirit, to His calling, and for us to love God with all our heart, mind and strength.

Prayer:
Almighty and eternal Father, we rest in Your love. You are the Center and the Prize of our life. We entrust our whole being into Your hands. Unworthy that we are, we believe Your grace and mercy will remain constant and see us through our challenges. We claim that You will make things work together for good in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Reflection Guide Questions:
1. In times of suffering and pain, anxiety and doubt, do I continue to put my total trust in the Lord?

2. How do I find rest and solace in the loving heart of Jesus, when I am burdened, confused and helpless?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
July 26, 2020 (Sun) – 1Kgs 3:5, 7-12/ Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77,127-158, 12-130/ Rom 8:28-30/ Mt 13:44-52
July 27, 2020 (Mon) – Jer 13:1-11/ Dt 32/ Mt 13:31-35
July 28, 2020 (Tues) – Jer 14:17-22/ Ps 79/ Mt 13:36-43
July 29, 2020 (Wed) – 1Jn 4:7-16/ Ps 34/ Lk 10:38-42
July 30, 2020 (Thurs) – Jer 18:1-6/ Ps 146/ Mt 13:47-53
July 31, 2020 (Fri) – Jer 26:1-9/ Ps 69/ Mt 13: 54-58
Aug 1, 2020 (Sat) – Jer 26:11-16, 24/ Ps 69/ Mt 14:1-12

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”