Sunday Lectionary: A Prophet Among Us
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 8, 2012
In this week’s Readings we hear about prophethood and about our utter dependence upon the grace of God.
In our First Reading we read about the calling of the Prophet Ezekiel, how he was strengthened by the Spirit and sent to proclaim an unpopular message to an obstinate people. In the Gospel, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and is met with suspicion and unbelief.
We are convinced beyond doubt that the truths of faith cannot deceive us; yet we cannot seem to bring ourselves to trust in them. It is easier for us to trust in human reasons and the deceiving appearances of the world. This, precisely, is the reason for our poor progress in virtue and in all that pertains to God’s glory – St. Vincent de Paul
For me though, the Readings which stand out are the Psalm and the Second Reading from St. Paul. The psalm expresses complete reliance upon God. St. Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians expresses a similar theme. Paul, probably the greatest Christian missionary in the history of the Church, knew something about strength and weakness. He knew that, in his weakness, God’s strength was more greatly manifested.
As we prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist this week, let us come mindful of our weaknesses and therefore also recognize our need of God, thankful that He calls poor, imperfect creatures to be His children and to declare His goodness.
A lot of Christians choose a “life verse”, a favourite verse from the Bible which is a source of encouragement and inspiration. If I had to pick one passage from the Bible I guess I’d choose the following text from 2nd Corinthians: