Choose the Power of Love

06-09-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Praise the Lord! First of all, on behalf of all my Parishioners, I wish and congratulate Sr. Ramona Ann Schmidtknecht who celebrates her 70th Jubilee year as a School Sister of St. Francis. Her life has been dedicated to teaching, working and ministering to the poor and underprivileged in Holly Springs, Mississippi for more 55 years. She continues to work in this mission at present. Since Waumandee is her home parish, we are offering a special Mass for her on 8th June 2024, at our St. Boniface, Waumandee. You are most welcome!

On this tenth Sunday of ordinary time, the readings show God's response to human failure and His promise of hope. They highlight themes of disobedience, faith, and the true family of Jesus.

The first reading is from the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. It is an integral part of our salvific history which reminds us of something that we inherited from them. That is, the adamic nature due to Original Sin. Also, it reminds us of the consequences disobedience. Rather than accept their fault, they tried to justify themselves by blaming each other. None of them said, I am sorry, I was wrong, it was my fault or even, please forgive me. Instead, they found excuses to exonerate themselves and, someone else must take the blame. Excuses does not absolve faults. Rather, what helps is humbly accepting one’s fault and asking for forgiveness.

Today’s gospel narrates Jesus’ encounter with his people and family. They though he was out of his mind. They accused him of being possessed when he was actually liberating the possessed. They were ready to restrain him with false charges. They wished to tame his miraculous works and powerful preaching. In spite of all these, He remained focused. This gospel also teaches that through faith and obedience to God’s will, we all have the opportunity to become members of his victorious and happy family. If we are disciples of Christ, we must prove it through our faith and obedience to God’s will.

Finally, Adam and Eve enjoyed the status and comfort of God’s divine presence but, they lost it through disobedience. Through them, we equally lost our membership of the victorious family. However, the good news is that through faith in Christ and obedience to God’s will, our membership of the victorious family has been restored. Have a Happy Sunday!