Gospel Reflections for June 25 2017
Know the right person!
I had dinner with my father a few years ago at a restaurant near the ocean that we used to enjoy regularly but had not visited for a while. When we walked in, the host looked up and said, “Welcome back! It is so good to see you again!” He then led us to a great table by a large window with a beautiful view of the water. The waiter was especially helpful and we had a delicious meal. (I guess it helps to know the right person) On the way out, I passed the host, who looked up and said, “Come back soon, Mr. Murphy!”
It can be amusing when we think we are connecting with someone only to find out it is actually someone else. While it doesn’t make much difference in a restaurant, there are times where it is crucial to connect with just the right person.
Parents worry about the connections their teenagers make both in social media and in person. Who are these people really? Voters want to know who politicians really are inside. We wonder about the leaders of North Korea and Russia as well. How can we really know these people?
Today’s Gospel affirms that Jesus knows you very well …even the hairs on your head are counted.
Jesus affirms He is that reliable person we can trust because He is one with His Father in Heaven. His resurrection was reliable proof and verification that everything He ever said and did was authentically from God, and that His life is the right path to happiness and peace. Accept no substitutes!
While we have many programs here at St. Bruno, you can be most grateful for those that point you toward that one person you can trust above all others as your true source for lasting happiness. Every program here is designed to connect you with Our Lord. When it comes to knowing how to live your life, you don’t want to connect with the wrong person!
If you have been looking anywhere else for wisdom, now is a good time to return to this authentic faith. There is no more reliable and trustworthy place to be.
Our Lord is always happy to welcome you back, and you can be sure He knows your right name and who you are!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
We certainly want to be connected with Jesus. He has “the words of life.” But it is hard not to be afraid of “those who kill the body” when you value life.
Yes, following Jesus still calls for courage.
It is nice to be called by name, but how much more special it is to be called
by God, the one who makes no mistakes.
Imagine the joy that Mary Magdalene must have felt when Jesus called her by her name
“Mary”
Yes, good point. Hearing her name instantly helped her recognize Jesus.
FR Gregorio talked anout the fears he hadin hislife andhow God has a way totouch and heal. Iit ois so good to know that every hair on our head is known to God. We re that important to God that every detail about us He cares about. Just knowing that helps get me through any trials. Remembering to keep focused on Him with trust.
Well said!
Thank you, Father Dave. This reminds me of a “debate” I once had with a date, who was also Catholic. He argued that there was no such thing as individuality in humanity and that throughout history there has always been someone who thought and experienced things just like I did. I countered that we are all individuals that contribute our uniqueness to this world and that no two people experience the same feelings or even the same culture. We are each imbued with the indelible print of our Lord.
I agree with you!
I’d like to welcome you back, Fr. Dave. I hope that you can enlighten us more about Jesus’ own welcome now that your pilgrimage has come to an end for this season while the pilgrims hoping to accompany you on the next one, await to learn the blessings you experienced this time around.
I called the Joe Sikorra program while you were away and too late to get on air. Intrigued by my question, the call screener was kind enough to mention he’d like the answer to this one himself as it had never occurred to him before so I should email it to be sure the pondering could begin. Unfortunately, things on my list of things to do got away from me that weekend. So he;re goes when it comes to putting out the welcoming mat:
I am in a conundrum. Caught between “do not toss you pearls among the swine” and when a person might be suffering from geriatric peculiarities. Has this always been a narcissist or are these demands to be the center of everything the onset of something unfortunate that demands diagnosis and empathy? I recently met such a woman (who infuriates everyone in her company at most times of the day. She has managed to have few if any friends. What is a welcome like when nearly every encounter results in her “what about me and what I need” offered as a command.
Just another pilgrim,
Jesus offers very practical advice in Luke Chapter 10. Among several helpful ideas He advises to begin every encounter with “peace” or the best of intentions, but if it is not received well, then …move on!