16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word: Disciples of Christ are empowered to build God’s Kingdom.
Theme: We are empowered to build God’s Kingdom as we as we choose to listen to the words of Jesus and act on His teachings.
Promise: “One who walks blamelessly and does justice, who thinks the truth in his heart…shall never be disturbed.” (Ps. 15:2, 5b)
Reflection:
Jesus says, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (Jn. 8:31-32). First, we have to know the truth before truth can work to set us free. For this reason, we must meditate and reflect on the words of the Holy Scripture so that we will find out what their true meaning is and how all of these divine truths apply to our daily life and empower us.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (2Tim 3:16). This foundation verse lays the groundwork for establishing solid Christian doctrine on the truths of God and for instruction in the knowledge and ways of God, so that we may all be made complete and fully equipped to go to work for God in the calling that each one of us is set to do in promoting His kingdom.
There is supernatural life and power in God’s word. The word of God is living, powerful, and real food for the soul and spirit of every person – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” (Heb 4:12). Scripture also tells us – “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it,” (Is 55:11).
The word of God imparts true knowledge and wisdom to us. God wants us to grow in the knowledge of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures,” (Lk 24:45). “… the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you,” (Jn 14:26).
Knowing the words and teachings of Jesus leads us to serve others. God designs us to make a difference in our life so that in turn, we might make life better for others. We are created to add life on earth, not take from it. St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “In our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do,” (Eph 2:10b). These “good deeds” are our service to the world. Whenever we serve others in any way, we are actually serving God and fulfilling our purposes (cf. Col 3:23-24, Mt 25:34-45, Eph 6:7). St. James reminds us that faith by itself is dead if it is not accompanied by action (Ja 2:15-17).
No one can be a friend of God if one does not do habitually what is right. If we abide in God’s word, doing what is proper in our relationship with God, we will achieve eternal life. Who shall dwell in the house of the Lord? Our promise this week is the response: “One who walks blamelessly and does justice, who thinks the truth in his heart…shall never be disturbed.” (Ps. 15:2, 5b).
Prayer:
Lord, Your word tells me that the secret to fruitfulness is to abide and remain in You and to let Your word dwell in me richly so that, by the power of Your Holy Spirit I may live a fruitful life that honors You. By Your grace, draw me closer to You and give me a willing heart and teachable spirit that I may come to know and love You more with each passing day. Open my eyes to see those areas in my life that hinder me from allowing Your good work in me and lead me to an ever deepening fellowship with You. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
- Do you read your bible and reflect on God’s word regularly? Share one experience on how the word of God worked in your life and inspired you.
- In your relation with Jesus through His words and teachings, how inspired are you in terms of serving the needs of others within and outside of community? Share your service experience.
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
July 17, 2022 (Sun) – Gn 18:1-10/ Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5/ Col 1:24-28/ Lk 10:38-42
July 18, 2022 (Mon) – Mi 6:1-4,6-8/ Ps 50:5-6,8-9,16-17,21,23/ Mt 12:38-42
July 19, 2022 (Tue) – Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/ Ps 85:2-4, 5-6, 7-8/ Mt 12:46-50
July 20, 2022 (Wed) – Jer 1:1,4-10/ Ps 71:1-2,3-4,5-6,15,17/ Mt 13:1-9
July 21, 2022 (Thu) – Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13/ Ps 36:6-7,8-9,10-11/ Mt 13:10-17
July 22, 2022 (Fri) – Sg 3:1-4/ Ps 63:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9/ Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
July 23, 2022 (Sat) – Jer 7:1-11/ Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6, 8,11/ Mt 13:24-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
