June 30- July 1, 2012
Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Wisdom 1:13-24 Second Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
‘Your faith has saved you.’
‘Do not be afraid; just have faith.’
There are many things that threaten and cause us alarm. On the international scene we grow anxious about Iran gaining nuclear weapons, whether the Koreas will erupt in war or another terrorist incident may occur. Our political process can stir the pot of human emotions to the point that they spill over into what has traditionally been our more tranquil/neutral parish gatherings. Will the economy go up or down, will gas prices go up or down…will the wars end soon or languish….will?…will?…will?…will? So many questions, so little certainty! In the midst of all that we do NOT know, of this we CAN be certain, the GRACE OF GOD is to be found in every circumstance and there is nothing or nowhere where God is not. What usually happens is that in our fear we blind ourselves to God’s presence…and in our blindness we fail to avail of his strength and guidance to handle whatever it is we may be facing. No matter how daunting the task or the challenge, with God beside and within us, all will be well. In today’s Gospel we hear that merely brushing up against Jesus, with INTENTIONALITY, can heal. Even those who have died (and by this we mean not just physical death but emotional or spiritual as well) can be brought to life by an encounter with Jesus. On this weekend of endings in preparation of fresh beginnings (for sooooo many throughout our Diocese) let us not be overwhelmed with what we may fear or think won’t be the same…rather, let us trust that our God has not led us this far to abandon us like orphans. Lift your eyes and see the structure where once there was nothing but barren dirt. Glance around you at the crowd that once was sparse and now is huge. Listen to the music that touches our soul and lifts even the heaviest of hearts. What God has done, he will continue to do….all we need to do is not let our fears get the better of us, be it in regards to politics, religion, economy, international situations….no matter what. On this brilliant Summer weekend, let us keep our eyes fixed on the cross and trust that wherever God is, ALL WILL BE WELL.
Thank you for sharing this weekend with our Corpus Christi family as we embrace the graces of transition. Following all our good-byes (or shall we say ‘Good-nights’) we can breathe sighs of relief and start to say HELLO to fresh beginnings and new opportunities! You already know to take a Bulletin with you…and don’t forget about making your La Cena reservations…the life in the parish keeps on churning along. This week our Youth Leaders are on their Leadership Retreat/Experience, please keep them and Vini in your prayers. In bringing these years to a close, my apologies to those I have hurt, offended or not been what you wished I could have been. My gratitude to you who have lent your hearts, sweat and love to bring Corpus Christi to fruition. My joy in what we have, with God’s grace, accomplished. My trust in your ability to be resilient and patient. My belief in your goodness and beauty. My hope that your lives be blessed with challenges that stretch you, that your tears be only of joy and happiness, that your children grow strong and prosper in faith and love. My gratitude for your patience and trust. My promise that, as you have always been, so you will always be, LOVED. All will be well. Good night, see you in the morning. FKB
