The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

Scripture from Wednesday’s Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
Psalm 50:7-13, 16-17
Matthew 8:28-34

A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:

“Why do you recite my statutes...and cast my words behind you?”
- Psalm 50:17

Today’s readings illustrate a statement made by Matthew Henry in his commentary on Scripture: “It is not knowledge but love that distinguishes saints from devils.” Amos observes that although the Israelites had knowledge of the law, they none the less disobeyed it. Sin thrives within those guided by self-interest; they may be fluent in speaking God’s word, but they hate the self-denial and discipline it requires.

In our Gospel Christ casts out demons from two men. The demons’ recognition of Jesus as the Son of God made them fear that this meant an end to their influence on earth and being cast into hell. They asked to be allowed to enter into a nearby large herd of swine; for if they were to stop hurting men’s souls, they could still do harm to their property. It is interesting to note that though the Gadarenes were Jews, they were raising swine, an animal considered unclean and unfit for human consumption.

We witness the entire herd destroyed by drowning and know that God allows such loss only for wise and holy ends. Unfortunately, the Gadarenes did not get this message; they should have rejoiced over the man’s healing and realized God was visiting them, offering them a new life. Instead, in their greed and covetousness, they rid themselves of Jesus, chose swine over salvation. We too might ask ourselves, what in our lives are we preferring in place of Christ and His salvation.

Loving Redeemer,
Source and Giver of Life,
make us to reject this world’s goods
and hunger for that which leads us
to salvation in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at borg dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:13 AM