Reflections on the Sunday Readings for 6/7/09 by Ellie

You can find the full scripture readings at http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/060709.shtml


Today’s readings touch on the same message in three different ways. This message, I would summarize as God has done great things for us. He has made us especially His own, and He in turn asks us to observe all that He has commanded us. Importantly, the message has a different twist each time, characteristic of the differences between the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Letters and others writings of the apostles in the New Testament.

Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? (Deut 4:33-34)

From the Letter to the Romans, we read again, God has made us especially His Own.

… you received a Spirit of adoption,
through whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs,
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ
(Romans 8:15-16)

Adding the reading from Matthew’s gospel, all three passages this special relationship places a special responsibility on us. We are to; “keep his statutes and commandments”(Dt. 4:39-40); “suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom. 8:14); and, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Mt. 28:16-20)

From the time of creation, God sees us as especially His Own. In many ways, the entire Old Testament and the New seek to awaken in us this one most significant awareness. We are made for Him. If you have come to realize that your life is made whole in the Connection God has already offered you, take time in the next few days to examine how your life is enriched by this being His beloved.

And, what response does this Special Relationship seek from you? First, keep His commandments and statutes. As you engage more in this relationship, suffer with Him, live His journey as it is offered to you. And, lastly, if you have it in you, or when you accept the Spirit’s presence in you, speak of Him, be His example in the world, teach Him to others.

Clearly, this is the call Brian Carpenter accepted this weekend by his ordination. However, it is not his alone, but it is the call for all of us. We will respond to that call in different ways. Some will teach, some will serve, some will minister, some will offer continuous prayer. All are parts of one Body, one Calling.

Just as Brian spent some time in retreat before his ordination, examining his call, so I invite you also to continue examining the reflections of these readings to find your blessings, your hopes, your life of meaning. Actually, these readings offer us a lifetime worth of prayer and promise. Let us begin. If you are interrupted, begin again. And, again.


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