Clicking on the links below will bring you to the Sunday Mass readings published by the USCCB; scroll down the USCCB page to find the Gospel readings.

Sunday Gospels

Through the Lens of Separation

Separation can be physical or spiritual or both. A person can be physically close to someone while having no meaningful connection. Or they can be miles away and maintain a strong spiritual bond.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 7)

“When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue” (Mk 6:1-6)

Jesus came to his own people and even to their synagogue in order to teach them and draw them close to him. But most of them rejected him and separated themselves from his healing love. Only a few allowed him to approach them and heal them.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 14)

“Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two” (Mk 6:7-13)

Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs. They will be united closely to each other and remain united to him from a distance. Their job is to draw others into unity. But if the people do not desire unity, they have separated themselves from the healing power of God.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 21)

“When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (Mk 6:30-34)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus initially separated himself from the crowd. They know, however, that they need him and are lost without him. So they search tirelessly for him and he, as the Good Shepherd, allows himself to be found. When they are reunited, he takes care of them.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 28)

“He withdrew again to the mountain alone.” (Jn 6:1-15)

At first, Jesus and the people are united. Jesus wants to take care of their bodies and souls. He performs a miracle in order to feed them. They, however, do not have true union with him. They do not understand him. And so Jesus withdraws from them and is alone. Jesus wants us to unite our minds and hearts to him.