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Volume II |
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Contents: Volume 2 11th Sunday "Ordinary Time" 6/14/2026 1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP - < lanie@leblanc.one>2. -- Fr. Jude Siciliano OP - <FrJude@JudeOP.org> 3. -- Elaine H. Ireland <ehireland@gmail.com>
4. --
Chuck Hilliard
, OP <Chuck@PreacherExchange.com>
****************************************************** The Scripture readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us about Divine choices and expectations. Our days might not be ordinary though. It is time to put the love of God into action in our lives, so, if that is not an ordinary practice, it is time to make it so!
In the first reading from Exodus, we read/hear God’s words describing the Israelites being born up on eagles’ wings, in a covenant, and given an invitation to be a “kingdom of priests”, God’s special treasure. Historically, only Levites were “the priests” of the time and their job was to be in service to God and to do God’s work among the people. Whatever our personal “labels” right now, at our Baptism each and every one of us is called to be “priest, prophet, and king" to all the people, the very same calling and relationship that was given to the Israelite people. The difference is the specifics of the job.
In the Letter to the Romans, we learn more of God’s unconditional love and goodness because all that was done for each of us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was done while humanity was “helpless, ungodly, sinners, and an enemy” of the Almighty. To put it bluntly, humanity was useless, but we were still set right with God through Jesus anyway. Now that we each have been redeemed, let us take that Gift and share the benefits with everyone we meet and in whatever way the Spirit directs.
Many of us think or even say “who me?... I am not special” and might question if being special and beloved is really so in God’s eyes. I have a pendant that says, “I’m not perfect but Jesus thinks I am to die for.” A bit snarky so I don’t flaunt it or wear it often, but I do read it often to remind myself that it is not me, but the Spirit within me Who does whatever is in God’s service. The Gospel tells us that Jesus chose 12 unlikely Apostles who also were far from perfect. Jesus charged them to do miraculous things which they did through the Holy Spirit.
Our turn, true followers of Jesus! Where to start? Let’s look in the list in this Sunday’s Gospel selection and make it so in our day and time, in some way, in whatever place and circumstance we find ourselves.
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
****************************************************** From today’s Gospel reading:
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd.....Jesus sent out the twelve after instructing them thus... “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
Reflection:
Many of us here in church today probably aren’t part of the same social circles. We are here, not because we are naturally drawn to each other, but because we were baptized. We have been called and named--- the way the Twelve were called and named for us in today’s gospel. And like them, we too are sent.
Through our baptism we are being prompted and empowered to see with Jesus’ eyes and respond to the needs of those around us--- where we live, work, recreate, go to school and in the world.
So, we ask ourselves:
· • Can I name a specific way in which I have been called to follow and serve in Jesus’ name? · • What do I need to do to respond better to my call to be a Christian in the world?
Fr. Jude Siciliano OP - <FrJude@JudeOP.org>
****************************************************** Living the Word…
Do you wonder if God is really directing all your journeying? Or, if God sends suffering our way to teach us or “test our mettle?” There are a host of different theologies and views of the Divine’s role in our lives—a subject for treatises and dissertations and those more scholarly than me. And frankly, no one knows or will know anyway. God’s role in our lives is a mystery. But, as I write this on a glorious late spring day, even in the face of some daunting things on the horizon, * the emotion of gratitude rings loud and true. Let’s always remember the familiar words of Meister Eckhart: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Use today to give thanks for all the blessings you have been given on your journey—even those wrapped in packages that were difficult to open!
Elaine H. Ireland <ehireland@gmail.com>
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Chuck Hilliard , OP <Chuck@PreacherExchange.com> Webmaster, PreacherExchange.com North Carolina Dominican Laity ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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