There is nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time. This weekend’s readings hit that point home for us. As we live in a culture that “weasel words” everything or states difficult situations in a “politically correct message,” these readings
presented by the Church this weekend have our Lord and God speak to us directly and to some point even uncomfortably frank, but nonetheless not without hope! With God,
everything is possible and He always delivers the message of Truth with great hope and compassion.
In the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we are told that as a people we are always a bit “wondering,” that is to say we are seeking a voice to guide us, a cause to latch onto, or in some way we are seeking meaning for our life and our existence. Jeremiah says that while we are a lost people—spiritually lost—and looking for easy or convenient answers to life’s big questions, we hear the prophet tell us that no matter how far or how often we stray from the Lord, God loves us and desires to always bring us back to Him. God loves us so much that He is always willing to forgive, to reclaim and to call us home to Him. Remember this, God sees sin differently from us—not as a reason to reprimand but rather another opportunity to forgive, to love and welcome us back to the Truth. Let us look to these words of Christ, “…Then neither do I condemn you, but go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
In the second reading this weekend, from Ephesians, St. Paul calls us to see Christ as the great unifier—the One who redeems us, the One who brings peace and comfort into our daily lives—and hope for Eternal Life. It is “through the Cross we are made one with God;” Christ is the chief uniter of the many into One for God. Rather than spending all our time looking for a rock star, a politician, or a television or sports personality to unite us and to give meaning for this life, let us find meaning for the present life in service to God, in His discipleship – and then we will find the true path to life
eternally.
Our Gospel, Mark 6:30-34, this weekend illustrates the love and concern which Christ has for our physical as well as our spiritual needs. Tired Himself, Christ asks His apostles (the word meaning literally the one sent) to rest up after the journey and ministerial work of discipleship. He Himself
exhausted, Christ goes with them to take them away from the crowds and cares for their needs. Seeing the large crowds of people gathering about them, rather than rest Christ goes about teaching His Truths to those who are ignorant. Here Christ cares for them (taking pity on them) and saying that they are like sheep without a shepherd (a reference to the title Shepherd given to the Kings of Israel). This gospel message is one about “we are not once condemned but rather are always forgiven and fed”—fed with bodily food and filled and satisfied with spiritual nourishment.
We are indeed a scattered and searching people. We are also indeed a redeemed and saved creation. We are taught many things even when it is difficult to hear—that hardness to accept does not for Christ change the reality of the Truth—for Christ Himself forgives us, redeems us with His love, and reinforces us with His Truth so that we may live a life of right relationship in this world and them be redeemed for all Eternity.
Will we search for Him? Will we seek His mercy? Will we accept His everlasting Truths? Remember the quote of our patron saint, Catherine of Siena, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world ablaze!” Indeed, Truth is difficult to accept but the rewards shine longer than a momentary,
earthly blast and will take us into the arms of God forever.