Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 21, 2009
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 4: 35-41

Jesus said to his disciples: Let us cross to the other side.
The heady days of the Easter Season have come to an end and the
gospel passage we reflect on today invites us to “cross to the other side.” The
Reign of God, though found in the ordinariness of “this side” is only fulfilled in
the extraordinariness of “the other side.”

Though the Reign of God is found in resigned acceptance of the cross
on “this side”, our welcoming embrace of the cross leads us to the splendor
of “the other side” which is resurrection.

The Reign of God is certainly found within the crowds of needy people
clamoring for our help on “this side;” and the riches of the Reign of God wash
over us when we go to “the other side,” taking time for solitude.
Our careful planning and execution of our ministry on “this side,”
reveals the Reign of God; letting go of our control of plans and projects and
depending on Providence, however, moves us to “the other side” where new
energy for the Reign of God is boundless.

Wrestling unafraid with the doubts that plague everyone on a spiritual
journey strengthens one to continue her faith in the Great Mystery on “this
side.” Choosing to go to “the other side” in contemplation plunges us into that
Great Mystery which claims us as its own.

We can live safely on “this side” trusting that salvation will be ours in
eternity. We can cross to the “other side” now and reflect to the world that
salvation is at hand.


Questions for Reflection:

• What experience of “the other side” have you had lately? What was “the
other side” all about?

• Are you afraid of “the other side”? Why? Why not?

--Reflection and questions by Sr. Diane Langford, CDP