Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Readings: Ezr 9:5-9; Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8; Lk 9:1-6
Notes: In a pluralist society it is a constant struggle to balance the particular needs of peoples and faiths with the need to make the operational goverence and governing neutral to particular religious theology as ideology.
Not easy at all.
There is no complete solution or simple hard turning to one idea or another.
There is only a breathing set of lungs expanding and contracting according to the moment and the need.
There is acceptance and accommodation.
It isn’t easy.
But nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
The LORD has granted us a fence.
A fence not to omit the Other. A fence to protect the core purpose of our faith which is human solidarity founded in the mercy of the LORD.
Let me rejoice in your celebration.
May you rejoice in mine.
In today’s gospel portion we are given two commands:
- Jesus … gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
- And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them [and move on].
The priority being: Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
First Reading
Thus he has given us new life to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins, and has granted us a fence in Judah and Jerusalem.”
Responsorial
Blessed be God, who lives for ever.
Gospel Acclamation
The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.
Gospel
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry