THE DAILY GOSPEL

June 19, 2016 (Sunday) 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Psalter: Week 4/(Green)

Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my

God. 1st Reading: Zec 12:10-11; 13:1

I will pour out on the family of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of love and supplication. They will look at the one who was pierced; and mourn for him, as for an only child, weeping bitterly, as for a firstborn. The mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning of Haddadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

On that day, a spring will be opened for the family of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse themselves of sin and defilement. 2nd Reading: Gal 3:26-29

Now, in Christ Jesus, all of you are sons and daughters of God, through faith. All of you, who were given to Christ through Baptism, have put on Christ. Here, there is no longer any difference between Jew or Greek, or between slave or freed, or between man and woman: But all of you are one, in Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Christ, you are of Abraham’s race and you are to inherit God’s promise. Gospel: Lk 9:18-24

One day, when Jesus was praying alone, not far from his disciples, he asked them, “What do people say about me?” And they answered, “Some say, that you are John the Baptist; others say, that you are Elijah; and still others [say], that you are one of the prophets of old, risen from the dead.” Again Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” Then Jesus spoke to them, giving them strict orders not to tell this to anyone.

And he added, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the elders and chief priests and teachers of the law, and be put to death. Then after three days he will be raised to life.”

Jesus also said to all the people, “If you wish to be a follower of mine, deny yourself and take up your cross each day, and follow me! For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will save it. Reflection:

Read: There is no longer any difference between Jew and Greek, or between slave and freedman, or between man or woman.

Reflect: Any form of discrimination is based on prejudice and is inherently unfair—be it religious, racial or gender discrimination. We are all one in Christ. All humans are beloved brothers and sisters.

Pray: Let us ask the Spirit to enlighten us on our many prejudices and to free us from them.

Act: Today let us treat with special regard the people we tend to look down on.

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