Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 20, 2010
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

The first reading is from the prophet Zechariah whose initial prophecy is dated around the year 520 B.C.. Today s reading from Chapter 12 is part of the Book of Zechariah attributed to other authors and is sometimes called "Deutero-Zechariah."

Chapter 12 begins the oracle proclaiming the victory of God's people. The blessings that will be poured out on Jerusalem come through the suffering of "him whom they have pierced." There will be mourning, but also purification from sin and uncleanness.

One cannot help but think of Jerusalem today and the mourning that takes place daily in the midst of divisions and wars. Where is the "spirit of grace"? It remains, of course, for God never abandons his people. The spirit of God's grace lives in the hearts of those who have mourned for all those who have known suffering and even death in the Holy City. Grace abounds in those who work ceaselessly for peace against tremendous odds. Pray that God's grace will be poured out on the people of Jerusalem and on all God's people who know mourning.

Reading 2 Reflection:

In this letter to the Galatians, Paul is writing to the people he converted from paganism to Christianity. He writes to correct some of the errors that have been presented to the Galatians by those Jews who believed that any converts must follow Jewish laws--circumcision and other obligations. Paul proclaims that faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism make all one in Christ, regardless of one's former state.

Paul writes of the divisions and inequities which existed between people at that time: Jews and Greeks, slaves and free people, males and females. From the time of Saint Paul until this day, all who are baptized in Jesus Christ are clothed with him, belong to him, and are heirs of the promise of Eternal Life. We have only to recognize any divisions, inequities, injustices and correct them. Preserving the unity of the Body of Christ must be the concern of all who belong to him.

Gospel Reflection:

Today's Gospel from Luke is perhaps one of the most poignant accounts of Jesus. Before this exchange with his disciples, Jesus has already cured the possessed man, cured Simon Peter's mother-in-law, cured the leper, taught the multitude about God's love, healed the paralytic, healed the centurion s slave, raised the widow's son from death, pardoned the sinful woman, calmed the storm at sea, healed the Gerasene demoniac and Jairus' daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage. He had fed the 5,000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.

Now, he is in praying in solitude and the disciples are with him. He asks, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" What did Jesus feel as he asked? What answer did he expect, or hope for? And what did he think when the disciples answered: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets arisen? Then, the Gospel says, he said, "But who do you say that I am?" Did Jesus hope--after all the miracles and teachings--they would finally understand? Today, we might reflect on that same question that Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" We have the witness of Peter who was the first to reply to Jesus, saying Jesus is "The Christ of God." But when he turns to you and me, how shall we respond?