Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS 14th WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME - JULY 6, 2025

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the celebration of the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time and first Sunday in the month of July. Hope you had colorful celebration of July 4th a great Day of the Independence of this great Nation. Let us be thankful to God for the values and aspirations on which this Nation was founded.

The Month of July is dedicated to the Shedding of the Precious Blood of Christ at various events in the life of Jesus; Circumcision, Agony in the garden, Scourging at the pillar, Crowning with thorns, Carrying his cross to Calvary, Crucifixion and Piercing at his side.

The Gospel Reading of this Sunday is from Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20 and is about Jesus sending 72 of disciples in pairs ahead of his pastoral mission to the thirty-five towns. They are to announce the coming of the Kingdom by signs of healing and proclaiming peace. They are not to fight back when rejected, travel light and live simply. They should not seek comfort nor waste time but be more committed to announce the Gospel.

Jesus had earlier told the twelve about the cost of discipleship that required total dedication, detachment from self and materials for the sake of the kingdom. 

Jesus tells his disciples of the many souls waiting for them; “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” The Lord requests recruitment and prayer for the laborers to work in the field. The Laborers must be emptied of self and filled with zeal for Jesus.

Jesus refers to the challenges of the enemy on the field – the wolves who may endanger the disciples. He cautions of the dangers of persecution endured by Christians and missioners in history up to the present age. Jesus likens them; “I am sending you like lambs in the midst of wolves.”

The apostles and disciples of Jesus endured persecution and martyrdom like Saints Peter and Paul for their faith in Jesus. The Church has survived persecutions for the last 2,000 years. We rejoice at the great courage displayed by the Martyrs. However, we regret to those persecuting the Church as they remain in the darkness of error. Let us offer prayers to all missioners working in a hostile environment where Christians are still persecuted and marginalized.

Let us pray for the Master to awaken the Faithful of the Prophetic role in the mission and work of Evangelization.

Have a blessed month of July.