Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7, 2013:

Isaiah 66: 10-14c
Psalm 66: 1-7, 16, 20
Galatians 6: 14-18
Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20

The big churchy buzz-phrase lately has been 'the new evangelization".  As best as I can determine, it involves Catholics coming to a deeper understanding of and lived appreciation for their faith, in order to make the Gospel more attractive and easily apparent to others. (please correct me if I am wrong)

Has summer lulled you into complacency? Are you feeling fairly blase about all things spiritual? Is just getting to church on Sunday too much effort, never mind more deeply understanding your faith?! If you can summon the umph to click the "Here are the readings" link (or: HERE!) maybe we can get back in gear...

Consider the tender imagery in the first reading, images first meant to encourage the Jews newly returned from exile in Babylon, as they went about the tasks of rebuilding the temple and their faith tradition.  Here around St Andrew's lately, nature has exploded: walk around our courtyards and you can't help but notice flowers tumbling over themselves, birds singing loudly, even a bunny or two hopping around! Let this first reading encourage you to view the world, if only for a few moments, as a child might - look around and discover what delights you, and let that lead you to rejoice in the God who provides it all for you!

The Gospel invites us to share that delight. Jesus is telling his disciples in essence, okay, you've been watching me, now it's YOUR turn. What are his directions for success?

• Don't try to do it alone- help each other stay focused and stay encouraged.
• Keep it simple, don't get so weighed down with 'stuff' (gadgets, plans, obligations) that you can't be flexible and open.
• Let yourself be vulnerable- let others help you. If others only feel indebted to you, they may only grudgingly accept your message. If we're helping each other, so much the better.
• Don't worry about advancement of whatever sort, be content and grateful for what you do have.
• Don't stew over 'failure'. Keep looking for the next opportunity to love as Jesus does.

See you in Church this weekend!