Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Col1:1-8; Ps 52:10, 11; Lk 4:38-44
Notes: Shout out to my new follower from Spain. PK Mundo (https://pkmundo.com/). I feel a connection having done the past twelve months Camino de Santiago French Way and the Portuguese Coastal Way and in all cases through and in Spain.
My friend Gilda continues her Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and she is now in the Mesa flatlands beyond Pamplona (I love this city and want to retire there).
So, PK Mundo, if you see her, say Hi for me.
In our continuous first readings we have completed the Thessalonians readings and move onto the Colossians.
There is a brief and wonderful interruption to the series:
(BTW: Sunday’s follow their own cycle)
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – celebrating the birth of Mary (Jesus’ Mom).
And the series ends with these two sacred scripture and liturgical elevation:
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – a holy icon of the sacrifice and the healing power of the LORD.
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows – Who eles can understand sorrow but the Mother of our Crucified LORD?
So the Good News to the Colossians is liturgically accentuated by mentioning his mother and the blessed relic of his cross.
We do continue our gospel portions of Luke for a while more.
Jesus continues to minister to family (Peter’s mother), neighbor, countryman and foreigner. A theme from today’s first and gospel portion together could be: Have You Heard?
Paul reassures the Colossians that you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you.
For Jesus explaining his continuous travels says: they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Wherever you are.
Whatever your circumstance.
The Good News is for your ears!
You are a green olive tree, … trust in the mercy of God for ever..
Whoever has ears ought to hear.
First Reading
Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so also among you,
Responsorial
I trust in the mercy of God for ever.
I, like a green olive tree
in the house of God,
Trust in the mercy of God
forever and ever.
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.
Gospel
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
He said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry