18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's episode from John's Gospel comes after the miraculous multiplication of food and the attempt by the crowd to make Jesus their political leader. Jesus withdraws and then walks across the water to rejoin his disciples in Capernaum. The crowd, who tried to make him king, is puzzled. They question Jesus who does not respond to them directly but answers with a statement of his own: "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." (Jn 6: 26) The motivation for following Jesus is important. Just like the woman at the well, initially, they are interested in physical/worldly security. She said: "Sir, give me this water , so that I may never be thirsty..." (Jn 4: 15) and the crowd says: "Sir, give us this bread always." (Jn 6: 34) Unlike the woman, who trusts in Jesus and acknowledges that he is a prophet the crowd are scandalized by him and his lowly origins. Despite the multiplication of food they cannot see that Jesus is giving them a new food designed for their eternal salvation rather than physical nourishment. As for ourselves, when we consider why we go to Mass and belong to the Catholic Church, we always need to keep Christ at the centre along with the message of salvation. In a reductionist world, obsessed with scientific data, there is a tendency to de-spiritualize or de-mythologize the sacraments. Never let us cease to be amazed at what God does for us in the sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist. 

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we hear: "A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs he was doing for the sick." (Jn 6: 2) Catholics believe that the Church is not just a fellowship of believers but also a prolongation of the Incarnation. It is through his Bride/Body that Jesus, Spouse/Head, continues his earthly ministry. Why is it in 2021, therefore, that anyone would want to follow Jesus, become Catholic or attend Mass? Surely it is for the same reasons as in the times of the Gospel! The signs that are done for the sick can be many. healings of loneliness, depression, physical ailments, mental illness, hopelessness, sin and so forth. All of these are to do with the cross and the power of God presently and actively working in the present day rather than some historical account that drifts further and further into irrelevancy. After all, the Scripture is a living Word that cuts finer than a "two-edged sword" (Heb 4: 12). Rather than concentrating on apologetics and looking to convince people through academic or philosophical arguments we need, as Catholics, to testify to the healing, liberating and joy inducing power of God in our own lives, inside and outside the sacraments. St Paul told the Corinthians: "My speech and proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God." (1 Cor 2: 4-5)

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The disciples today are depicted as returning from their missionary tours to debrief with Jesus. Jesus, in turn, shows his concern for their welfare and ultimately, also, that of the crowd who follow him and the disciples as they go on retreat. Jesus takes the lead and teaches the crowd: "...because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mk 6: 34) It is clear that it is Jesus who directs the mission. This is also the case in the Second Reading as St Paul indicates that it is through the agency of Christ Jesus that salvation is brought about. Jesus does not only do this through his preaching but through his person: "in his flesh he has made both Jews and Gentiles into one" and "might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross" (Eph 2: 15-16) In the Mass we have both the liturgy of the Word and the Sacrament. These are efficacious in us when we are empowered to become missionary disciples and are united in the one body. The power, always, is that of Jesus working with us and in us through the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today Jesus sends out the Twelve. He gives them minimal instructions, however, he does give them: "authority over unclean spirits." (Mk 6: 7) When we think of the mission of the Catholic Church today what do we think of? Do you need a doctorate in theology? Do you need more money? Do you need more scientific proof of the existence of God? No, of course not! We are called to get on with it. We have encountered Christ and been converted by him to see the world and, indeed, the Universe through the lens of the Gospel. As disciples, we continue to grow deepen and learn what it means to know Jesus and, in communion with the Holy Father in Rome and the bishops of the world, we work together to grow the Kingdom of God in our midst. Last of all, each of us has the mission. It is the same mission as that given to the Twelve. Thus, as missionary disciples, we have the courage to embark on our mission even when we are not sure that we have all of the resources or wherewithal to do so. What we do know is that we have been sent and that in baptism and confirmation we have authority over unclean spirits. The evidence of our mission will be the healing and reconciliation that result: "So the twelve went out and proclaimed that all should repent. they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." (Mk 6: 12-13)