Branching-Out

'Hear the Word!' by Bill Ayres: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Bill Ayres on Jul 3, 2021 6:00:00 AM

A reading from the prophecy of Ezekiel

(Chapter 1: 13-15; 2:23-24)

(Chapter 2:2-5)

Throughout history, prophets have emerged during times of stress, enslavement, and destruction. The Spirit of God is in them as we read today about Ezekiel, who was called by God amid the destruction of Israel by the Babylonians in the sixth century BC. The Israelites had refused to listen to the prophets who preceded Ezekiel, and so God is sending him into a most difficult situation.

Who are the prophets today in our world and in our country? They may be famous people like Pope Francis or others that work locally and in obscurity. How can we know? How can we discern among so many voices? Abraham Lincoln is seen as prophetic today, but in his day he was also hated by millions and was murdered for his actions. Being a prophet has never been easy, and false prophets emerge frequently. Who are the real prophets who speak the truth to power and endure rejection and harm to fulfill their mission?

You and I might not consider ourselves prophets, but there may be times when we are called to have the voice of a prophet in our family, our community, our place of work, or our country.  But we should never forget that our words must be truthful, humble, and loving.

Responsorial Psalm

(Psalm 123)

“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.” One of our most powerful prayers is “Lord, have mercy on me.”

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Topics: eternal life, Reflections on the coming Sunday's Gospel, Prophet Ezekiel, RENEW International, authority of Jesus, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

'Hear the Word!' by Bill Ayres: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Bill Ayres on Jun 26, 2021 6:00:00 AM

A reading from the book of Wisdom

(Chapter 1: 13-15; 2:23-24)

The Book of Wisdom was probably written less than one hundred years before the birth of Jesus. It contains one of the most overt references to life after death in the Hebrew Scriptures. The author wants to convey that “God formed man to be imperishable…. God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.” Sometimes death comes peacefully to a person surrounded by loved ones. At other times, it is the result of violence. In any case, it is the termination of a precious life. What comes next? Those who do not believe in an afterlife anticipate nothing. Those of us who believe have hope in the promise of new life. That promise begins in the scriptures right here and comes to fullness in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm

(Psalm 30)

“I will praise you Lord, for you have rescued me.” Think of all the times the Lord has rescued you. Sometimes it is dramatic. Sometimes it is hardly noticeable until you think about it and then give thanks.

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Topics: eternal life, Reflections on the coming Sunday's Gospel, RENEW International, resurrection, thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, promise of new life

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