Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings

Reflection on Scripture

The storms of destruction are moving about the earth causing hatred, distrust in others and the institutions that represent us, wars, famine, and a disregard for the laws of nature and of God. So many proclaim, “What can we do?”. Unfortunately, the evils of this world fall upon believers and non-believers without prejudice. The difference is that non-believers trust in their own abilities to take control and impart their distorted wisdom upon the people. The believers turn to God, beg for forgiveness, and wait on the Lord’s will to be revealed.

Jesus, though He is God, did claim to be equal to the Father. Instead, He humbled Himself and took on our humanity. He willingly suffered death and under His own power, rose from the dead. The evil of this world did not give Him a pass but instead filled the hearts of the people with hatred and bitterness toward Him, so He suffered perfectly for our sake.

Our human nature may be in overdrive, full of anxiety and sometimes lacking hope, but by the grace of the Holy Spirit we will not be overcome by evil but will be given the grace to remain faithful to the Lord in all things. True Christians believe in miracles and know in the deepest recesses of their hearts that they are loved unconditionally by God and Jesus has gone again and prepared a place for all of them at the heavenly banquet.

Our faith is being tested in every way and this is time to remain vigil and take every opportunity to be present to the Lord in prayer and in the routines of our daily lives. The battle has been won on Good Friday. Satin is defeated and roars like a lion trying to devour God’s holy people. We must stand firm in faith and not let our human frailty weaken us and in times of need, we turn to the Lord in prayer and go to the assistance of our brothers and sisters. The clouds of destruction will pass and the revelation of Jesus in His glory will be manifested upon humankind. The fullness of salvation awaits us and we pray to run a good race to the finish line.

Deacon Phil