Sixth Sunday – Ordinary Time Cycle C

Reflecting on Jeremiah 17:5-8

Jeremiah lamenting over the people Rembrandt c. 1630

Someday, when through God’s grace I see Jesus face to face, I know that he will embrace me, hold me, and heal me.  But then he’s going to ask me this question:  You sang WHAT at that wedding Mass?  And during the Communion Procession???  Listen to Carole King’s lyrics, in light of the Gospel:

Now ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend, when people can be so cold?  They’ll hurt you, and desert you; they’ll take your soul if you let them.  Oh, but don’t you let them.

©1971 Colgems EMI Music

But of course, we are exactly called to do just that:  we MUST let the world into our hearts and souls,  and that is never more beautifully ritualized than when, at Communion, we each reach out to receive Him who gave it all away.

Poor Jeremiah.  He had lots of good reasons to distrust the bad judgment of the leaders of his day.  And then he ended up almost giving his life for them.  That’s the way it is for those who speak for the One who loves us all.

Sharing God’s Word at Home:

Is it ever okay to shut people out of your heart forever?

Ordinary Time - Cycle C