July 4 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Ez 2:2-5; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Mk 6:1-6)

We see God’s mercy in the first reading from Ezekiel. Despite the repeated rejection of his people, he continues to send them warnings. He wants them to hear his Word.

St. Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians show us that even the most faithful experience trials. His response is worthy of our imitation. He prays with perseverance for deliverance and receives an answer. It is not the precise answer he is looking for, but he listens. “My grace is sufficient for you.” In trusting that response from God, Paul receives a greater strength than he had originally asked for. “Power is made perfect in weakness.” He accepts that the essential thing is to allow God to work in him, in all circumstances.

The Gospel of Mark has a warning for us all. When it comes to faith, especially for lifelong Christians, it is possible to think that we have Jesus all figured out. We become upset when he diverges from our expectations. This might be when he asks for faith during a major change in our lives, or when something small occurs and throws off our daily routine. Whenever we experience disappointment or disillusionment, Jesus wants us to trust him. Our plans and our ideas about how God should act must not be the object of our trust.

• St. Paul tells us of a “thorn in the flesh” in which he suffered. We all have some type of “thorn in the flesh.” How can we carry it with joy as St. Paul encourages us, rather than complaining about it?
• What virtue could you seek that would increase your intimacy with God, despite the trials you may face along the journey?
• Share a time when you have experienced disappointment or disillusionment but trusted in God. How did it help you?
• St. Faustina said in her Diary 1158: “There are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving, and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then pray--that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall receive the eternal verdict.”  How could you reach out with mercy to someone in your family or someone who is suffering from loneliness or persecution?