Tuesday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 14:21-15:1; Matthew 12:46-30)
“Parish Renewal” was developed over thirty-five years ago
to evangelize people already going to church.
At one point in the weekend retreat where unity is being emphasized the
pastor is scripted to say, “Blood is thicker than water.” “How do we share the
same blood?” the parishioners wonder.
The pastor then explains, “We all drink the blood of Christ.”
Jesus emphasizes the unity of his disciples with him in
today’s gospel. Even closer than his
blood relatives, he implies, are those who accept God as Father. They have assimilated his message. They can be counted upon to assist the poor
with whom Jesus especially identifies with.
God has given us virtual brothers and sisters in the
Church who make life enjoyable and lend support in need. Along with Jesus himself they give cause for
the highest praise to God.
