'Tis the Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Tempus per annum, "time through the year"): Wikipedia-link.
Saints of the Day
'Tis the Optional Memorial of Saint Junípero Serra, Priest, O.F.M. (1713-1784, the "Apostle of California;" A.K.A. Miguel José Serra).
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The Book of Amos, chapter five, verses fourten, fifteen, & twenty-one thru twenty-four;
Psalm Fifty (R/. twenty-three[b]), verses seven, eight & nine, ten & eleven, twelve & thirteen, & sixteen(b/c) & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter eight, verses twenty-eight thru thirty-four.
Commentary: Daily Readings.
Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus drives demons out of two possessed persons. Notice that the demons always know who Jesus is. The demonic voice stands for the sinful structure of consciousness; it is the mouthpiece for a soul dominated by the fearful ego.Video reflection by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. (U.S.C.C.B.): Daily Reflection.
When the New Being appears, when the new consciousness emerges in the person of Jesus, it is precisely this demonic power that most clearly recognizes it, just as a threatened animal is most acutely aware of the approach of the predator. The ego-dominated psyche knows intuitively what the onset of Jesus means: “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”
What is important for us spiritually is to listen with great attentiveness to these inner voices of protest, to these demons within us, for they will, paradoxically, facilitate the assimilation of the Christ, showing us clearly where we have to be changed.
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Always go forward & never turn back."
—Saint Junípero Serra, O.F.M. (1713-1784, feast: 1 July)
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