June 19, 2016: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Together in friendship, Sister Marceline Mattingly and volunteer Samantha Poole enjoy God’s glorious gift of life.

Once when Jesus was praying by himself, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”
Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”
He scolded them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:18-24)

Reflection:

“It is what it is.” This popular saying relates to today’s gospel reading. Many of our “crosses” are merely the result of life and living in a diverse world. These crosses (or hurts) often come about because of accidents, misunderstandings, or someone’s unintentional actions. “It is what it is.”

Action:

This week choose one of your crosses (or hurts) and ask God to help you carry it. Ask God for the strength to let go of your painful feelings and your negative thinking…and to move on in freedom, living the glorious gift of life God has given you.