June 16, 2010
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Breaking Open the Word By James Cavanagh June 20: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Scripture readings: Overview: Ordinary Time is the season of the Spirit and the Church, for as the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches, “The article concerning the Church depends entirely on the article about the Holy Spirit, which immediately precedes it” (No 749). This week’s readings, especially the Gospel, remind us that the Church, led by the Spirit, must embrace the cross of Christ and follow him through history on her way to the Promised Land. Like her Master and Lord, the Church will be subject to trials and tribulations. But in the end, she will be vindicated. The reading from Zechariah foretells the suffering of Christ—“the one whom they have pierced.” “That day” is an allusion to the victory of God over Israel’s enemies. In Christian terms it denotes the ultimate victory of God over sin and death, symbolized by the “fountain open to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” These words were fulfilled when the “fountain” was opened by the soldier’s lance that pierced Jesus’ side as he hung upon the cross. In this week’s second reading Paul concludes his argument that we are justified (that is, made right with God) not by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. “Through faith” he says, “you are all children of God.” It is through the waters of baptism, the purifying fountain that we are cleansed from original sin and the life of faith is planted in the soul. Finally in this week’s Gospel Christ tells his disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” The reading begins with Peter’s profession of faith: “You are the Christ of God!” The Lord quickly explains that his distinction as the Messiah was not a just tribute to his divinity—it was a mission to be lived; a mission that involved the cross. Christ’s invitation to follow him necessarily involves sacrifice. Key verse: “On that day there shall be open to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness” (Zech 13:1). “Catechism of the Catholic Church”: “Christ opened to all men the fountain of baptism. He had already spoken of his Passion, which he was about to suffer in Jerusalem, as a ‘baptism’ with which he had to be baptized. The blood and water that flowed from the pierced side of the crucified Jesus are types of baptism and the Eucharist, the sacraments of new life” (No. 1225). Pope Benedict XVI: “The price of justice in this world is suffering. Jesus, the true king, does not reign through violence, but through a love that suffers for us and with us. He takes up the cross, the burden of being human, and the burden of the world. As so he goes before us and points out to us the way that leads to true life” (“The Way of the Cross”). Life application: One of the most prominent features of every Catholic Church is the crucifix above the altar. When we “look upon him whom they have pierced” we are reminded of God’s undying love, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of true life. But the cross is also an invitation to follow Christ, confident in the assurance that as long as we remain in Christ we are “heirs according to the promise.” James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. |
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