Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.  He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.  So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.   People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.  They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.  When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  Mark: 6:30-34

Today we celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.  Our Gospel today tells us to take time away from the busyness of our lives to spend time with Jesus.  Jesus asks them to come away but many people came too because they were curious.  The disciples had shared how busy they were that they didn’t even have time to eat lunch.  In this story the disciples were very busy and didn’t have time for what they really wanted to spend time with Jesus.  We all need to take some time to retreat and reflect rather than get caught up in our distractions.  It is important to remember to “rest a while” and let the peace of Jesus fill our lives and hearts.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Pray...Pray...Pray...

Today our world is anxiously awaiting the rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from a cave in Thailand.  We have watched and waited as rescue teams have surveyed, scouted, drilled and emptied water from the flooded cave.  It has been a harrowing time for their parents and families who are anxiously waiting for their rescue.  During this time many people from all faiths have united in prayer for their safety and well-being.  So far six of the boys have been rescued and we await further word on the rest of the boys.  The reason they entered the cave is unclear as there was a warning sign not to enter the cave.  During their time in the cave these boys have shown amazing resilience and have not lost heart.  They believe in and trust their rescuers.  There has been one fatality as a result of the attempts to rescue them.  One former Navy Seal died during the week.  Now with monsoons in the forecast it became critical to get the boys out and they are in the process of doing that.  Let us continue to pray for the safety of all who are trying to rescue the boys and the hospital staff who is preparing to treat them.  May they all emerge safely and may their recovery be swift and complete.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Independence Day

As we celebrate Independence Day today let us pray:  

God, source of all freedom, this day is bright with the memory of those who declared that life and liberty are your gift to every human being.  Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.  Make our vision clear and our will strong:  that only in human solidarity will we find liberty, and justice only in the honor that belongs to every life on earth.  Turn our hearts toward the family of nations: to understand the ways of others, to offer friendship, and to find safety only in the common good of all.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pat Schifini, OSU