Let’s take a look at some of the major themes we find in the readings for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 17:22-24
The prophet offers the cedar as a sign of God’s restoration for the people of Israel, which will be ultimately fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
God’s power reigns supreme over all creation.
Psalm – 92:2-3,13-14,15-16
“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”
God is praised for mighty deeds that bring blessings to those who live holy lives.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 5:6-10
We remain courageous as we follow the Lord in faith.
In both life and death we belong to the Lord, from whom we will receive recompense for the good or evil we have done.
Gospel – Mark 4:26-34
This passage offers two parables about the kingdom of God that highlight the contrast between the humble beginnings of a seed and the final glory of a mature plant.
The simple start of a small seed reminds us that God’s power touches the little and the lowly, resulting in a final creation beyond our expectation.
The Book of Tobit, Part V – In the final installment, we see the revelation of the angel Raphael who urges Tobit and Tobiah to give unceasing praise to God.
Mary’s “Magnificat” follows from her visit to Elizabeth and greeting between two babies from the womb. For all of you who have a special devotion to the Rosary, happy feast day!
The relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is a communion of love which speaks to our hearts in the aftermath of these last 15 months. In our moments of isolation, tension and stress, may we turn to the Holy Trinity for the grace we need to foster unity in our hearts and with one another.
When asked about his authority, Jesus counters with a question that reveals the limits of the conversation. This insight can help us be more aware and sensitive to the spiritual questions we face with the people in our lives.
Mark’s Gospel reveals the spiritual fruitfulness of forgiveness as a crucial component to our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. May we look for ways that we can ask and extend forgiveness today to those around us as we offer our lives to the Lord.
Three Great Things 