NEWSLETTER
for Catholics on the Tendring Peninsula
Parish Priest: Father Joseph Whisstock
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 9 June 2024
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 16 June 2024
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 23 June 2024
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 3:20-35)
Members of Jesus’ family are so concerned about Jesus that they consider taking him home by force to put an end to his ministry. But it is the scribes from Jerusalem who say that Jesus is in league with the powers of evil. Jesus takes this point up. His actions are constantly challenging the power of evil, so how can he be on the side of evil? He is in fact the one who is strong enough to challenge Satan. The scribes have closed their minds to this possibility; they are unwilling to let the Spirit teach them. The final verses suggest that the relationships we make in the Christian family are of great significance.
Is the gospel of Jesus challenging me?
Am I open enough to receive the message which Jesus brings?
Let us pray for those who struggle with the Christian gospel.
Let us pray for those who are stuck in their own dogmatism.
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 4:26-34)
Mark gathers together several parables which speak of the growth of a seed. The parable of the Sower considers different responses to the preaching of the word of God and is at the beginning of this chapter. The other parables are concerned with other aspects of growth. The parable of the seed growing secretly is unique to Mark. Jesus is saying that the work of God is mysterious and profound. We may not understand how God works but the work of God achieves its purpose. The harvest will come, provided we do not thwart it. The parable of the mustard seed shows the growth of the kingdom is great. It provides shelter and shade, provides support and sustenance.
Jesus’ purpose in using parables is not to confuse but to explain the work of God in the world and in the human heart. Those who are open to understanding will gradually come to know more. The work of the grace of Christ is slow but deep.
Why did Jesus use parables?
Which parables of Jesus are most memorable for you?
Pray for a deeper understanding of the message of Jesus.
Pray for the patience to let the grace of Jesus work in your heart.
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark4:35-41)
The miracle we hear in today’s gospel reading, is the calming of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Most of the miracles of Jesus are healings. Along with the parables, the miracles are a major feature of Jesus’ ministry in Mark’s gospel. This miracle shows the power of Jesus over natural forces, as his words calm the sea and the winds. The effects of the words of Jesus is instant. He has the power of God. The awe the disciples experience is the reaction of someone in the presence of God.
What is the meaning of the miracles of Jesus?
Does it seem strange to you that Jesus should put on such a display of power to calm the storm?
Pray for a deeper awareness of the purpose of Jesus and the gospel.
Pray for those who struggle to accept the truth about Jesus.
Fr Adrian Graffy