A reflection on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
Una reflexión sobre el 15º domingo del tiempo ordinario - Año A
Choked by Weeds

Like the plants choked by weeds in this Sunday’s Gospel, there many weeds that can choke us during this challenging time.  There are many losses.  Maybe you lost your job or missed celebrating a graduation or First Communion.  A dear one may have died.  Family traditions had to be modified.  Regular evenings with friends, movie nights and dinners cancelled or modified.  There is division in society and even within our families or possibly homes.  Those who support wearing masks and those who do not.  Those who maintain social distance and those who do not.  There is the racial tension as protests continue.  There is the discomfort of terms such as Black Live Matter and White Privilege.  Some family members and friends embrace the terms and others deny them.

            This is what I know.  God is with us in our losses.  I encourage all of you to join me in naming the losses no matter how small.   Ask God to help you bear the sadness and heal.  If appropriate, create an action that honors the loss.  For example, you might pray and light a candle as you update your resume or complete yet another job application. 

God loves all people. All people are a gift with talents to share.  Learn about the history of racism in Cincinnati.  Read personal accounts of persons who have experienced being judged by the color of their skin.  Let us commit to listening and learning from each other.  We may disagree, but we can respect that each of us wants what is best for our fellow human beings. 



Ahogado por las malas hierbas

Al igual que las plantas sofocadas por las malas hierbas en el Evangelio de este domingo, hay muchas malas hierbas que pueden ahogarnos durante este momento difícil. Hay muchas perdidas. Tal vez perdió su trabajo o se perdió la celebración de una graduación o primera comunión. Un querido puede haber muerto. Las tradiciones familiares tuvieron que ser modificadas. Tardes regulares con amigos, noches de cine y cenas canceladas o modificadas. Hay división en la sociedad e incluso dentro de nuestras familias o posiblemente en los hogares. Los que apoyan el uso de máscaras y los que no. Los que mantienen la distancia social y los que no. Existe la tensión racial mientras continúan las protestas. Existe la incomodidad de términos como Black Live Matter y White Privilege. Algunos familiares y amigos aceptan los términos y otros los niegan.

Esto es lo que sé. Dios está con nosotros en nuestras pérdidas. Les animo a todos a unirse a mí para nombrar las pérdidas, sin importar cuán pequeñas sean. Pídale a Dios que lo ayude a soportar la tristeza y a sanar. Si corresponde, cree una acción que honre la pérdida. Por ejemplo, puede orar y encender una vela mientras actualiza su currículum o completa otra solicitud de empleo.

Dios ama a todas las personas. Todas las personas son un regalo con talentos para compartir. Aprenda sobre la historia del racismo en Cincinnati. Lea relatos personales de personas que han experimentado ser juzgadas por el color de su piel. Comprometámonos a escuchar y aprender unos de otros. Podemos estar en desacuerdo, pero podemos respetar que cada uno de nosotros quiere lo mejor para nuestros semejantes.


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