Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for June 21, 2020

Reflection for June 21, 2020

Through trials and joys

God is with us through life's ups and downs, and so are our fathers 

by Sister Laura Zelten

This weekend we celebrate the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Father’s Day.

In our Gospel, Jesus instructs the Twelve about their mission and ministry.  There are three things to note in this Gospel.  First, three times Jesus tells the Twelve not to be afraid.  Second, they are instructed to be bold in their witness and fearless in their preaching. And third, they are reminded of how precious they are to God: “even the hairs of your head are counted.”

Jesus knew that his disciples would face stiff resistance and even persecution as they sought to continue his mission and ministry. Given this, he wanted to be honest with them about what was to come, while at the same time assuring them that they would not be alone as they went forth. God would be with them.

In the Gospel we are reminded that God never promised us a trouble-free life. God did promise, though, that He would be with us during our trials and sufferings.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, we remember that our Dads also have been there during our trials and joys. They are the reflection of God’s love for us. Today, in a special way, let us be grateful for God our Father, who grants us boundless mercy, and our fathers -- by birth or adoption -- who love us and support us through life.

Prayer exercise:

At these times, today’s Gospel is a reading worth returning to. Jesus tells us: “Even the hairs of your head are counted! So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Today, I invite you to bring any worries or anxieties you have to Jesus. Simply place your worries or your pain in his hands (figuratively) and then sit quietly with Jesus for 5-10 minutes. May Jesus bless you with deep trust and deep peace!

10 Comments

Father Bill Jacobs
06/19/2020 7:03 am

Thanks so much for your Reflection, Sister!

Also for your Prayer Exercise during these "troubling times."

Bless you, Father Bill

P.S. Please note that I will not be making it home in mid - August for my Sister - Mary Lou's Birthday due to the restrictions, etc. I'm hoping for early October.

Millie Hayes
06/19/2020 8:58 am

Great reflection, Sister Laura. Mich needed in these times. Thank you.

Rose Chaudoir
06/19/2020 9:00 am

That is such a beautiful message!!!! Thank you, Sister!!!!

Sr. Elise Cholewinski
06/19/2020 11:13 am

Great article, Sr. Laura!

Peter Schumacher
06/19/2020 11:22 am

Nicely said Sister Laura. Sometimes I feel fathers are a bit forgotten like one of my favorites’ St Joseph.

Sister Rose Jochmann
06/19/2020 1:41 pm

Thank you for your reflection. I really like the Prayer Exercise. It is very helpful.

Marge Lamphere
06/20/2020 7:50 am

Perfect timing for this reflection Sr Laura. Thank you and God bless you

Ellen
06/20/2020 9:13 pm

Inspiring, thoughtful, and much appreciated.

Kathy Konop
06/21/2020 9:12 pm

Good Reflection

Short reflection exercises are THE BEST

Claudia Nys
07/03/2020 7:06 am

Please know this reflection brought me much peace. Thank you and God Bless. Claudia

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