The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 4, 2004
   The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from Sunday's Liturgy of the Word:
   Isaiah 66:10-14
   Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20
   Galatians 6:14-18
   Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel the newly commissioned disciples returned in "jubilation" from their first missionary activities and spoke about the new power that the Lord had granted them. From a purely human perspective their response was understandable -- they were enjoying themselves.

Jesus uses the moment to teach them and us a very important lesson: not to get distracted with what is superficial, but to keep focused on the agenda that God placed before them (and us). And what, is it that God desires? What is the ultimate will of God for us? Jesus says it so beautifully, "That your names are inscribed in heaven." There's no other goal so great or worthy of all our endeavors--than our salvation. If we keep that goal ever before us and evaluate all our activities in light of it, we'll have the proper perspective about life, the goods of the world and our relationship with them.

Perhaps that is why the words of contrition after the Sacrament of Reconciliation bring such pain to our hearts - because we realize that our sinfulness merits the "loss of heaven and the pains of hell." Further cause for tears, is that we recognize that we've offended God who is all good and worthy of all our love. Finally, tears of joy may flow when we hear the word of absolution and know that God has forgiven our sinful transgressions and has allowed us once again to seek so as to gain our greatest goal, the greatest prize - everlasting life with Him in heaven.

Let the song of the psalmist keep us focused, on track, truly joyful:

               One thing I ask,
                   this alone I seek,
                   to dwell in the house of the Lord
                   all my days.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
  (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)



posted by joachim at 5:31 AM