June 27, 2021 - The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June27,2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In the gospel read at Mass this weekend, we hear about two miracles performed by Jesus. The abundance of his healing power is well noted. Often attention is brought to the fact that Jesus on His way to perform one miracle performs another along the way. This is like a miracle sandwich. All are surprised because nothing was expected. It seemed that neither the woman “afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years” nor the dead little girl had any chance in the world. Any healing or cure was thought impossible.
In our fallen world we often confront distressful, sad, seemingly hopeless situations. There is no great miracle to make things as they were or better. We can feel that God is punishing us or absent. Often, in spite of our prayers, nothing seems to change and the worst scenario seems to play out. It can seem that all hope is futile. We can feel weariness and emptiness. We wonder why bad things happen to good people. What have I done to deserve this?
Clearly, the mystery of the Cross cannot be explained in a few sentences. From the gospel encounters, we gain some insights. 1. Jesus is in the midst of our lives come what may with His love and light. We are never alone. He is truly with us always. 2. Jesus will gradually open up the meaning of His Cross to us in a way that genuinely enlighten our souls. 3. Even death cannot destroy our life in Christ. He has died and risen for each soul. When all seems over, He leads us from this world to the next. The greatest miracle is our hope of eternal life in Him. 4. Happiness is promised to all who keep faith, to all those who maintain hope in Him no matter what. 5. His grace and love are always enough for us.