On the 14th Sunday of ordinary time, the Gospel tells a story of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to preach the Good News to the people. Jesus said that their peace should remain in the households that they would visit.
Are our hearts ready to receive the Gospel with peace?
During these times of war and disagreements, let us keep a peaceful heart. Let us announce the Good News of the Kingdom by good words and deeds that we spread around us. This is a task for each one of us today.
In the Gospel Jesus told his disciples that their mission was to travel two by two, since the work of evangelization is a collective task. The disciples were on mission as instruments of peace. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is a way to love our neighbors; it is a message of hope!
This is what relatives and friends did on Sunday when they gathered outside on the patio to celebrate a surprise birthday party for Sister Aline Couture, Sister of the Presentation of Mary, whose 95th birthday is on July 14. Surrounded by her family, she was treated like a queen with Hawaiian lei, hats, a lovely rose in a bowl, gifts, a well decorated birthday cake and assorted beverages. Her two sisters in attendance, as well nieces and nephews shared memories and songs bringing joy, smiles and laughter to Sister Aline and to all present.
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, Sister Aline, in the years ahead. Thank you for sharing your love and happiness with us during these many years spent with us.
While Sister Aline was being celebrated outside, we had the joy of remembering another birthday inside the house. The Sisters met together to celebrate Sister Mary Woodward, their Provincial Superior, with decors, cards and flowers, and some reminiscing as well. May the Lord shower you Sister Mary, with abundant graces and much love and hope in many years to come.
We are messengers of God’s love and witnesses of the Kingdom of God and Pilgrims of Hope. (Pope Francis)
In conclusion today, we are all asked to continue the mission of Christ entrusted to each one of us because:
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, and you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
(Attributed to St. Teresa of Avila)
