June 30 // 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
Responsorial Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Reading II: Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

A man asked me, “What is the key ingredient of a long marriage?” Much as I wanted to say, “Love,” I thought more before I responded, “Commitment.”
It does not sound romantic. It may not be the sweetest answer but it is a practical and reasonable, answer. We know people who love one another who did not stay married. Both men and women have said one or the other or both lacked commitment.

Today’s Gospel calls for commitment in our relationship with Jesus whether we are single or married! All of us are to be committed to following Jesus. During a high spiritual moment we may pledge commitment and then as the days and weeks play out find that commitment slipping a bit. In this secular world of ours how can we support our commitment to Jesus? Can we make a yearly retreat, read devotional books, listen with our hearts as well as our minds to GOOD news, open our hearts in desperate need to God and thank God with passion for our blessings and pledge renewed commitment to Jesus’ ways? Can we read scripture each morning, even rise early to immerse ourselves in the biblical scene? Can we concentrate on the scriptures and the Eucharistic prayer with intensity? Can we beef up our prayer before meals by including in our prayer those who have little food and those who grow, pick, and pack our food?

Commitment, like love, is a decision made with God’s help.

Blessings,
Deni Mack, DMin Pastoral Associate