By , Fiat Ventures
11th Sunday of Ordinary Time
We are a third of a way through the ‘Ordinary Season’ in the Church. After the long suffering of Lent, and feeling the high of the Easter season, life might start to feel slightly, well, ordinary. This Sunday’s readings remind us that it is anything but.
God provides the grace to live holy lives in every season and every day. His providence is especially evident in the readings for Sunday. He is consistent in shepherding His people, stretching back to the Israelites in the Old Testament, to His own ministry in the gospel, and of course, through the Holy Spirit, with us today as well.
He reminds us, time and time again, throughout the centuries of the promises He makes and keeps to His people. Additionally, we get a beautiful and intimate glimpse of the heart of Our Lord for us, the Gospel of Matthew tells us, :“At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” God of the universe, Who already knows that they will be taken care of, still felt the human emotion of pity in the moment for His people. How glorious His heart is and how cherished we are!
However, as receivers of that providence, comes great responsibility. Later in that Gospel passage, He gives the 12 disciples power over unclean spirits and the ability to heal before sending them out to proclaim the gospel.
In this liturgical season of the Church where things might seem more quiet, what are some ways we are called to spread Christ’s love? Where are some places where sharing the gospel might be challenging and scary? Let us maintain a spirit of joy and reassurance knowing that Jesus takes care of all our needs, we need only to keep our eyes on Him. Rekindle in your heart a great love to worship Him in Mass, for that is the source of our sustenance: the Eucharist.
During the coming week when things may seem difficult, you can come back to the response for the psalm from the readings: “We are His people, the sheep of His flock”.