The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 2, 2006
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15
Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings for this Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time fit so well with our American dream, since they’re all about life. They remind us that God and people are especially bonded! He created us for happiness, freedom, and life to the full; “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living,” the Book of Wisdom declares. So, then, who invented death? Satan the Destroyer! All who submit to his rule will experience death!

How then, do we escape death? Through clinging with all our strength and will to the commandments of God, and the teaching of His Son, Jesus. In particular, we find the key to life (the second reading) in letting go of self, and sharing generously of all that we have and are with the “have nots” in our midst. By giving up His life, Jesus restored eternal life to all.

God is the Creator, the Source of life. Wherever there is “death” either through sin, disease, or distress of any kind, He brings peace, an end to fear, and even more life than existed before. No, God did not invent death, nor does he rejoice in it.

What a great God we have, worthy of our constant gratitude, our praise, and our love!

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)

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