Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Aug. 18, 2013

Reflection for Aug. 18, 2013

Gospel hope can be found in times of unrest

by Sister Carolyn Zahringer

At first glance the readings for this weekend appear on the surface to be filled with discomfort and challenge. Jeremiah is in trouble and has been tossed into a cistern. But, he is brought to safety by order of the King. Ah safe, at least for the moment!

In a 50-word opening sentence, the author of Hebrews gives us a mandate to keep "our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith."  Ah, good advice!

Jesus tells his disciples in the Gospel: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!" Oh, what is Jesus really saying?

Unrest and desire are expressed in each text. Do we see a message of HOPE hiding for us to uncover?

During this Year of Faith, we have been invited and challenged to look deeper, to listen more keenly to what is happening in and around us.

Listen "deeply" and "look"  deeply ... "Lord, come to my aid!" (Ps.40)

YrOfFaithCatechesis

About this series

Chapter 27, US Catholic Catechism for Adults

Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
Third Commandment

by Sister Mary Kabat

"And God rested ..."  God's rest was one of contemplation as God gazed with love on all creation, finding it very good.  What a gift this commandment is for us especially in our fast-paced, consumerist society.  We are given a day to worship God in a visible and public way at Mass and to take time to nourish our relationships with God, family and friends.

As Christians we keep the Lord's Day on Sunday, the day we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. The Church obliges us to make Sunday holy by participating in the Eucharist. Knowing all God is and does for us, we come not in obligation but in a spirit of praise and gratitude. Celebrating the Eucharist together is the heart of our Sunday. It fulfills the Third Commandment and the words of Jesus, "Do this in memory of me." (Lk 22:19) From the Mass we carry our joy and faith into the rest of the day and into the week ahead as we serve others as brothers and sisters in Christ.

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