This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, June 20th is from Mark 4:35-41.
“On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Let us cross to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat. . .A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ The wind ceased and there was great calm.”
“When Jesus calms the violent squall in the Gospel, his disciples can’t believe the power they just witnessed. Jesus muzzled the forces of chaos—spiritual and physical—that could have immediately identified him. Mark emphasizes that Jesus patiently allowed the disciples to gradually come to know him. The disciples’ faith still needed to blossom. So, sometimes, does ours.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2021
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Gen 12:1-9; Matt 7:1-5
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (Memorial) – Born an imperial in Lombardy, he rejected the values of his position and family. He joined the Jesuits, hoping to go to the missions. Instead, he offered to serve the sick and dying during the plague in Rome. He, too, caught the plague and died three months later.
Tuesday Gen 13:2, 5-18; Matt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday Gen 15:1-12, 17-18; Matt 7:15-20
Thursday Isa 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (Solemnity) – This feast is one of the earliest feasts to be celebrated on a particular day. The date of June 24 serves as a reminder that John was six months older than Jesus (Luke 1:26). Luke relates the various events surrounding his birth.
Friday Gen 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Matt 8:1-4
Saturday Gen 18:1-15; Matt 8:5-17
SOURCE: Living With Christ, June 2021