“Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her” (Lk 7:11-12).
Communion Connection –
These two verses from Luke paint a picture: two large crowds approaching each other at a city gate. Both groups are on a mission, but their intersection was not intentionally planned. In this day and age, Pope Francis encourages us to build a culture of encounter in our midst and it is in Scripture stories such as this that we see Jesus showing us how. He teaches those who follow Him (the disciples and large crowd of those days – and us today), to come into contact with those we approach. Do not side step, do not disregard – but meet them face to face and love them as they need.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/making-something-from-nothing/1002/
Order of Carmelites Lectio – http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-10th-sunday-ordinary-time-c
12 June Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus said to the Pharisee, ‘So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven’” (Lk 7:47-48).
Communion Connection –
In this great Jubilee Year of Mercy, we hear these words of Jesus all the louder. Perhaps reversing the order of the one phrase helps it strike at the heart a bit more, “But the one who loves little, will have little forgiven.” God never tires of loving us, of forgiving us. He is the most prodigal father! But unless the door of our hearts is open, His love and mercy cannot enter. We can learn from this woman in the Gospel: despite her sin, her love for Jesus was great and sin could not keep her from Him. Her love drove her to seek Him and pour herself out for Him. In that encounter Jesus was able to reach her, and draw her into His work of salvation. Her faith saved her.
Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/sin-and-grace/888/
Order of Carmelites Lectio – http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-11th-sunday-ordinary-time-c
19 June Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus said to the disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23).
Communion Connection –
We know that after carrying his cross and being crucified Jesus rose. Similarly, if we accept the daily suffering that comes from living an authentic Christian life we are destined to rise. Rather than despising suffering our faith in the Risen Jesus will open our eyes to see the cross as a way that leads to joy - as never before. In this way, the kingdom of God will become more firmly established in us. This is a pattern of spiritual growth and, little by little, the world’s attractions will lose their strength; we will be increasingly free to love. Then we will be able to call ourselves followers of Christ. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life – http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2008/11/01/novembre-2008/
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/zechariahs-story/1004/
26 June Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to my family at my home.’ To him Jesus said, ‘No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Lk 9:61-62).
Communion Connection –
Let us always go forward towards the goal before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The more we are in love with Him and experience the beauty of the new world He opened for us, the more we will lose interest in the things we left behind. Let’s repeat every morning when we begin a new day: “Today I want to live better than yesterday!” Something else might also be helpful: let’s try counting our acts of love for God and for our brothers and sisters. Then in the evening we will find our hearts full of happiness. – adapted from the Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
Word of Life – http://www.focolare.org/en/?s=June+2004
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron – http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/gospel-freedom/756/