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Our Sunday Reflection - June 9, 2024
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"With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption."
Psalm 130
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Moved by the Holy Spirit, we gather today as a family—a parish family as well as children of God—to celebrate the Eucharist. It is appropriate to think of our family of faith, for in the Gospel today we hear Jesus tell the crowds that whoever does the will of God is a part of his family. We may not always be conscious of our closeness to the Lord, so let us pray that we may come to recognize the gift that allows us to be sisters and brothers of Jesus as we do our best to do God’s will.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Original sin drove a wedge between humanity and God. Adam and Eve were banished from paradise, their home in Eden. But as we sing in the psalm, with God there is mercy and redemption. Indeed, Paul teaches us that while our earthly dwelling—our bodies—may waste away, our heavenly dwelling awaits. In the Gospel, Jesus assures us that whoever follows God’s will is brother and sister to him. Let us listen to God’s word as part of God’s familyReflections
- We are sinful people. We can blame our weaknesses, or our poor self-control, or our inability to overcome our demons. In today’s first reading, both Adam and Eve choose to blame someone else. Adam immediately blames Eve, and even indirectly blames God: “you put [her] here with me” (Genesis 3:12). Eve then blames the “tricky” serpent. Neither person accepts responsibility themselves. Neither one admits their sin. Sin is perpetuated when we don’t acknowledge our own failings.
- As we grow older, our body ages. That’s life. Scientists and doctors tell us that the human body peaks in the 20s and 30s. In middle age we notice that our physical abilities diminish and our stamina lags. Eventually, we start losing the ability to do certain things. Let Saint Paul’s words give us hope. Though “our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Physically, we may be weakening, but spiritually we are given the opportunity daily to grow stronger. Just as we may be working out physically, let us exercise spiritually through prayer and the study of God’s word, striving to understand and follow God’s will. In doing so, though our earthly dwelling—our body—may waste away, our dwelling in God’s kingdom will last forever.
- In disputing the scribes’ absurd contention that Jesus is able to drive out demons because he is possessed by the prince of demons, Jesus warns of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. By doing so, he implies that the Holy Spirit allows him to drive out the unclean spirits. We received the Holy Spirit in baptism and so we too have the Holy Spirit within us. May we use the power of the Holy Spirit in us to drive out the demons who threaten to destroy our lives.
Question of the Week
What kind of spiritual workout can I plan for myself? What will I do daily to renew my spiritual self?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, June 9, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, June 9, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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