These readings in the masses after Pentecost seem to stress moral behavior. The message In the 1st reading of today’s mass reminds us why we were created – to know God and serve him in this life and be happy with him forever in the next life.
People, places and things we live with in this life aid us in making the choice. It is a simple doctrine but dome times very difficult to put into practice on a daily basis. The challenge is to keep in shape morally or we get flabby, not able to do or care why we are put on this earth.
In the Gospel Christ warns us to make a distinction between religious doctrines and people. There were people in his time who failed to follow him, although they believed in what he taught. The apostles resented that. Today there many good Christian and non-Christian people too, who may be surprised to find out when they die that they were crypto-Catholics after all. We should respect them and pray for them.
Resolve: Today I shall say some off-the-cuff prayers to the Holy Spirit for unity within the Church for the conversion of people who search for the truth and for an increase of lay missionaries in our secular society.