Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 6, 2025 (Year C)

This week, we hear of the foretelling of the comfort received from Jesus's resurrection in our reading from Isaiah, which is an idea that St Paul expands upon in his writing to the Galatians.  Isaiah tells of the redemption of Jerusalem, the city that has returned in glory to spread prosperity and comfort.  And with this description, St Paul offers the great parallel that this glory is afforded to us only through Jesus's crucifixion.  Nothing from the old Jerusalem that was mourned matters with the new law that now reigns, such as circumcision being a mark of the covenant.  Now, all people have co-opted into the new life that Jesus prepared for all in his crucifixion and resurrection.

And the fruits of this new covenant are shown in the Gospel reading, as Jesus sends forth his followers to administer to and prepare the surrounding cities that He was to visit.  In His name, they were able to drive the evil spirits from those places, showing the power that Jesus and God have allowed them to show.  But Jesus is quick to remind them not be overly exuberant in their 'power to read upon serpents', but to 'rejoice because [their] names are written in heaven'.  This is important, because whenever we are witness to an act of God occurring through our work, it is easy to fall into the temptation of pride.  We must remember that at every step of the way, God has been there helping us and allowing us to do great works in His name.  We should thank God and rejoice for the gifts given and the work they enable us to do.

Disclaimer: This will be at the bottom of all reflections, but I’m not intending to put out any sort of professional critique, attempt at a homily, or investigation into the historicity of the readings, but will “let the Spirit move me” as some say, to share what has spoken to me in my reading and reflection on the set of Readings for each week.