Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 18 June 2023
First Reading: Exodus 19: 2-6
“Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.” (5-6)
The LORD GOD has blessed us in so many ways. He teaches us every day, but we must be attentive to his every word. We must remember our promises to GOD! All the sacraments that we have received are our commitments to GOD. The Lord has taught us through the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes in the new testament. He calls us out to be a holy and priestly people, we know we are set apart. Therefore, let us rejoice and walk in his covenant. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 1-3, 5
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. (1-3)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Romans 5: 6-11
But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (11)
Christ Jesus gives us a chance even as he did with Judas Iscariot at the last supper. When he offered the bread dipped in wine (Jn 13:27), Judas had the choice to receive reconciliation and change his evil intention. But sadly Judas rejected the offer and allows Satan entry into his heart. Refusing to repent is the open door for Satan to come and take control of our hearts and intentions. Living in the presence of GOD himself for three years didn’t deter Judas from betraying him!
God in his infinite love and mercy, has left us the choice; he will not override our free will! We still have the choice to reject or accept GOD! May we look to St. Peter to help us on our way because he repented he went on to live for the LORD GOD!
Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 9: 36 – 10: 8
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. (1)
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. (8)
Jesus Christ had given them all the same authority, Judas Iscariot too! Yet at the most critical time of his life, Judas did not exercise his God-given power! He willfully engaged with the evil lurking in his heart! May we learn to command our flesh in obedience to God’s will? God’s plans are best for us and we must submit our intentions to the Lord GOD Almighty.
Christ has commanded us to “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” We must strive to do all of these first in our own hearts, then our families and the world. Our small efforts though unseen, unrecognized, or unappreciated; are seen by the Lord GOD himself. Our efforts are blessed in accordance with our faith and humility! May we exercise our God-given power and live fruitful and joyful lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
