Emma lighting the candles.
Readings:
Jeremiah 23, 1-6, Woe to the shepherds who mislead the flock.
Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. (a good one!)
Ephesians 2, 13-18, He is our peace.
Mark 6, 30-34, They were like sheep without a shepherd.
The Offertory with Cindy, Bill and Marlene.
Homily:
I was asked by my older brother’s extended family to lead them in a Memorial Service at the National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa this past week. It was special; binding us together from coast to coast.
John at the Consecration.
In last Sunday’s gospel reading, when Jesus gave his apostles power over unclean spirits, he sent them forth. They were to stay with those who welcomed the Good News, preaching to them to repent and receive the Holy Spirit. Those who chose to be led by the Holy Spirit were anointed with oil receiving forgiveness from their transgressions.
The Eucharistic Ministers, Patricia, Jan, Claire, Lynda, Tom and Geri.
Recall that the twelve were told to take nothing with them on their journey, except for one thing. Do you remember what it was? I propose to you that it was obviously a tradition of the Early Church which still exists. For example, if our Bishop Edward Burns would have come to our community, this morning, his purpose would have been made known to us by the fact that he carried a staff on his journey here; It signified that he came as the Good Shepherd, who would spread this table before us, with the fish and bread, the Liturgy of Word and Eucharist.
Mike sharing his Homily with us.
At the end of the celebration, he would have also anointed each of us with oil, to become Christ in the world, to be the Anointed One, who not only receives; but bestows spiritual healing, to those in need. The spiritual health we grant to one another with the anointing at the end of Mass engenders a faith to be healed not only spiritually but physically, too.
Communion.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to read and think about the very short story between last week’s reading from the Mark Gospel and this week’s reading. The story gives an example of the worldly power that made John the Baptist collateral damage.
The Our Father.