The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time



Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 22:1b-19
Psalm 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Matthew 9:1-8



A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The account from Matthew, for today's Mass, ends with "they were struck with awe and glorified God." When Jesus calmed the storm on the lake, the disciples "were filled with great awe." (Mark 4:41)

When Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, her parents and the disciples experienced awe ("they were utterly astounded"). (Mark 5:42)

Awe is a powerful feeling, quite a reaction. For instance, each season of the year, different forms of weather stir up awe at the natural level of life through unfolding but recognizable events.

Awe follows recognizing God is at work. Those who came to the crib were in awe, realizing this infant is God made manifest as man. These gospel accounts speak of the awe the apostles and disciples experienced recognizing Jesus as Lord of Creation and then as Lord over sin.

To be in awe can lead to greater faith through wonder, wonder as it means reflecting on what has happened here. This is faith and reason.

Many themes for meditation are inspired through awe and wonders, by observing what the Lord our God has done.


~ Rev. Stephen H. Gratto | email: smartins@frontiernet.net