July 4, 2021 - The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - God bless America!
July5,2021
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
On this Fourth of July 2021, we are just beginning to move on after over a year of pandemic. Indeed, many times in the past year we have felt weak and vulnerable – even powerless. These times have “tried men’s souls.” Though we now have vaccines for the body, spiritual struggles remain. These can be quite formidable.
St. Paul in his letter to us today reminds us “when I am weak, then I am strong.” What does that mean? St. Paul knew his limitations physically and spiritually. He mentions a cross that he would carry with him his entire life. Yet he remains confident in the strength only God can give. He firmly believes the message of the angel: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).” From the cross, Jesus demonstrated for all time that nothing can defeat us, even death itself. When He was weakened and dying, He was saving the souls of all men and women for all time. The Cross is the sign of Triumph!
During the pandemic, we also have had time to see the many problems in our society. The solution for some is to boldly and to forcefully reject God and His Commandments. Christians are held up for disdain and contempt. Many want to put us in our place once and for all. In addition, there are former Christians who no longer kneel to Christ, but to the world. What are we to do?
As we march ahead let us hold high the banner of Christ. Let us renew our commitment to Christ and His Church. Let us re-center our lives in the Holy Eucharist. Yes, we are weak, but the God Lord will strengthen our spirits, our souls, to stand firm in His love and bring about a revolution of the heart, of love.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor