Acknowledge Jesus: Missionary Commentary for Sunday June 25, 2023

Words. We suffer an avalanche of words. Words can arouse deep feelings of anger. Some words have no speaker. Some people say the same thing over and over, as if mere repetition will force acceptance. Words take so little time, effort, and money yet spew thoughts, opinions, and outrage to anyone everywhere. Words wound. We feel like Jeremiah – “terror on every side.” 

There is one word that stands above all other words. Jesus. He alone is the Word of God. He alone can make sense of all the other words we hear. St. Paul teaches us the depth and breadth of the magnitude and magnificence of Jesus. There is an abundance – a “gracious gift” that “overflow for the many” – in who Jesus is that words cannot contain nor control. 

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the reality of mission. Mission begins when we leave church. It never ends. There will be trials and tribulations. We will suffer many words. The words we use must be a clear and unambiguous acknowledgement of Jesus. 

The word acknowledge has weight to it. The English word “acknowledge” goes back to Old English, meaning to know, recognize, admit, confess. The Greek word for “acknowledge” is sometimes translated as “confess” because acknowledgement creates a relationship between people, it creates a covenant. 

Life can be hard. The avalanche of words we live with makes it harder. The best way through this avalanche is to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God.

Jesus, I see you. I am astonished by your sacrificial love. I confess your life, death, and resurrection. Send forth your Spirit. Breathe on me again and send me anew to anyone, anywhere. I hope for and live for the day when we will say with one voice, “Our Father …” 

Notes on the Sunday Readings

First Reading
Jeremiah, the great prophet, suffered many trials and yet he claims God as his “mighty champion.” Jeremiah models absolute faith and entrusts his cause to the Lord.

Psalm
The psalm echoes the faithful who suffer because of their faith. We must cry out to the Lord. We need to ask God to help us bear insults and injuries. 

Second Reading
St. Paul teaches that the gift given is more than salvation. Jesus did not wire money to pay our debt. He gave his life to forgive, free and heal us. He is our brother.

Gospel
Jesus prepares his disciples for the reality of mission. There will be trials and tribulations. Do not be afraid. God is infinitely more than our fears. The clarity of our faith will break through the confusion and conflict of our day. This clarity of faith is essential for God’s mission.

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