Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: AM 9:11-15; PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14; MT 9:14-17
Funeral Liturgy
At a funeral liturgy, depending on the circumstances of life and manner of death, I often use this option as the gospel selection:
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be (Jn 14:2-3).
The phrase ‘take you to myself’ is as a marriage proposal. A free, full, fruitful and faithful pledge of love. Jesus promises to go prepare a place for you even from the foundations of the world. Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt 25:34).
Summary
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? Throughout the gospel the marriage image is used to describe the divine love for you. While he is with us, we are at a wedding, our own wedding, let us rejoice!
Reflection
Jesus reminds us in the this gospel portion today that rejoicing in the Lord is priority number one. There are many liturgical practices and different observances throughout the year and we should do them faithfully and completely. But at our core – we rejoice. Like any bride-to-be who has fallen in love, we exclaim with the full interior voice — He chose me!
Personal Reflection
These next four Saturdays I serve at the Chapel of Holy Innocents. Blessed be the Lord. My reflective theme will be the marriage of heaven and earth. The marriage of the divine and human. The marriage of Jesus and each one of us who say Yes to the Lord. This is your wedding! Rejoice!
Sacred Scripture
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070624.cfm
First Reading
Thus says the LORD: On that day I will raise up the fallen hut of David; I will wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old.
Responsorial
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel Acclamation
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry