Gospel Reflections for July 22 2018
Come away to a quiet place
News happens fast these days, whether new economic figures, world news, or a nominee to the Supreme Court. Jesus offers wise advice in today’s Gospel to occasionally stop and “catch your breath.”
He notices the crowd seems lost and confused; “Like sheep without a shepherd.” He tells His followers “to come away to a quiet place and rest.” He invites them to slow down a bit. We all need to recharge ourselves at some point.
Summertime is just the time for that, whether on vacation at a favorite spot or just relaxing at home with family and friends. But Jesus invites you to use your recreation time well …to kind of “re-create” yourself according to the way God first created you by re-evaluating your priorities. Am I on the right path? Am I following the Shepherd? Am I seeing things accurately?
Jesus notices that people are rushing to see Him, and hoping for a quick cure for whatever ails them. Like sheep without a shepherd, He feels they are reacting impulsively and not reflecting well on the important issues they face or the real priorities in their life. A quick cure is often no cure at all.
Jesus affirms a more meaningful reflection is better than a rush to judgment. Wise advice from a Good Shepherd!
The Supreme Court nomination provides an opportunity to reflect more slowly and deeply on the true nature of justice as referenced in our Constitution, and how different rights are balanced against each other, and how each should promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
Today’s Gospel also provides an eternal perspective that can guide your view of rapid and sudden changes in your life or even our nation right now. Maybe this is a good time for you to “come away to a quiet place” and slowly reflect on your own journey with that eternal view in mind.
Perhaps you can ask yourself even at Mass, or while just relaxing at home, how you see your life progressing, and if it is moving in a way that is pleasing to our Lord …and as He created you. No need to ever feel lost. He is the Good Shepherd to whom you can always look for guidance.
We don’t have all the time in the world so let us use our time well!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Father Dave,
Can you please send me the context of the Gospel on Sunday, July 22, 2018, that I can share to my group of our prayer meeting. We have always a sharing about the Gospel reading.
Thanks you very much.
Thank you for asking. My article on this Sunday’s Gospel will be posted on Saturday morning around 6am. I hope you find it helpful.
I like what u said about a quick fix. At first I was thinking “Hay wit a minute”. Then contemplating I realized that any change comes with time and commitment. It says somewhere to fight the good fight of faith. Well since my dad was a boxer during the war we had to always watch the Monday night fights. The winners didn’t just get up there and win. They had to train day after day then comes the victory.
Oh yes thee are miracles that happen instantly, however, there is a commitment required to know God and know his ways. Jesus had compassion for these people as he knew their real need and he proceeded to teach them.
Boy, this is sure fun
I like your phrase “They had to train every day, then comes the victory.” Well said!
Love your beautiful interpretation of our precious Gospel!! Love the thought of thinking about our life and is it progressing in a way that is pleasing to our Lord!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful!!! Dick and i want to make ourselves, our family, our friends and the world beautifully in love with our precious Jesus!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our Faith!! Jesus came and changed the world in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!
Have a beautiful day in our loving Jesus and our beautiful Blessed Mother’s Divine, sweet love!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Hi Father Dave:
Always insightful and relating the gospel to our daily lives, Hope you are getting a chance to enjoy summer. Catalina?
God bless,
Argyle
Yes! Catalina beginning on July 29th. This week will be fishing in the High Sierra’s, over Paiute Pass, and then camping at 11,000 feet. I hope the fish are not on vacation too!
Very insightful. I just started a new job two months ago. Unfortunately I am very busy and I will not be able to take vacation time soon. So I resolved to make use of my time with Rick on the weekends to really make them count. We often take long walks on the beach in Ventura and stop for dinner at a favorite restaurant. We also spend much time at the pool and spa, which has been reflective and rejuvenating for me. It has put into perspective values and priorities. Sometimes its’s not what you do or where you go, but how you spend your time that really matters.
Oh Father Dave! So well said. I needed to hear these words. My whole family NEEDS To read this. We have Been spread thin for months with so much going on. Taking time to stop, be still, and reflect on our priorities is exactly what is needed for us right now. I wish my family didn’t put God last on their very hectic schedule. I endeavor to put Him first almost all of the time. This is a great reminder for me as well. Thank you. God Bless you, and miss you!
Dear Father Dave, Your mention of “a quiet place” reminds me of the cave across the street from the Sea of Galilee that we visited during my Holy Land Pilgrimage with you in 2011. If I remember correctly, it was believed that Jesus used that cave as a retreat and that “quiet place” remains tranquil even 2,000 years later.
I will reflect on Jesus’ quiet place as I search for my own quiet place to rest a while and renew my commitment to our Lord.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Dear Father Dave,
Thanks so very much for the time you spend week after week summarizing Sunday’s Gospels and putting everything into perspective.
Have a great and safe vacation.
God bless you….
Kathleen