12 July 2026

12 July 2026 - Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Transcript

Reading:  

Romans 8:22-23

Write:  

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Reflect:   

First of all, a comment on Jesus’ comments on his own parable. I don’t think there’s much of anything else that needs to be said about it! His commentary starts at chapter thirteen, verse eighteen and is really about as complete as you can get.

So enough about the gospel – for now. Let me take a look at that quote that I read from Romans. Many years ago, I preached on this small section of Romans. What I was saying was that we do not know if the groanings of nature are the storms of nature. As it turned out, when I said that, there was a clap of thunder and a visible lightning strike at that exact time. It was loud! There was a lot of nervous laughter.

I went on to say that I doubted that any one of us is guilty of a particular storm or part of a storm. That being said, I do think there is something to be said for this idea. Are we seeing an increase in storms around the world? Or is it that communication is happening faster? My answer to both of those questions is: yes. Is God trying to tell us something? I would not be surprised.

Whether we are talking about how bad the weather is or whether we are talking about individual sin, I think we can see that there are darker forces at work in our world. And the darkness seems to be growing.

As I was preparing this homily, I looked down at my computer keyboard and saw a medal of Our Lady Undoer of Knots that someone gave me just last month. I have it stuck on the corner of my keyboard.

What devotions are part of your spiritual life? I think we need – desperately need – people to be prayer warriors for our day. Not just for our country, but for the world!

I believe we need to take seriously this point that Paul is making: “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;… we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”

And now I want to combine the two points that I am making today, and even refer to last weekend.

Are we on the path? Are we on rocky ground? Are we among thorns? Or are we on rich soil?

I said last weekend that eagles soar above storms. Storms are necessary, even though they can be destructive. Storms help plants to grow. Is the groaning we do more than just labor pains? Sure. It is part of our redemption. We are called to pray for the world around us – the people around us, whether they think like we do or not – whether they are part of our faith or not. We need to pray for the refreshing rain of the Holy Spirit. Will it come as a torrent, or as a gentle rain? 

I think it depends on your perspective. Some will see the movement of the Holy Spirit as a terrible challenge – a torrent. Others – us – see it is a refreshing rain. Do we groan for our world? We need to. There is far too much destruction and, regardless of your political position, cases can be made for need of correction across the spectrum of… our political landscape especially.

😊 I have to admit that I don’t have a slick way to close my comments this weekend. I would just leave you to think – again – Are we on the path? Are we on rocky ground? Are we among thorns? Are we on rich soil? – Are we in the middle of storms? Are we soaring above them? Are we groaning with creation? 

I leave all of this to you.

I will not be entering a podcast for next weekend as I will be on vacation. You all remain in my prayers.

+++++