Reflection for 13 Sunday of Ordinary Time, week beginning 27 June 2021.
June, the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is followed by the month of his Precious Blood. In theme, the 2 months are closely connected – when the 3 bodies were checked on the 1st Good Friday evening, Jesus was found to be already dead – so his legs were not broken – (Scripture had foretold that not a single bone of his would be broken) – instead, his side was pierced with a lance. His heart was pierced, as was the pericardium – the water-sac surrounding the heart. Therefore, blood and water flowed out.
Thus, July is the month of the Precious Blood of Jesus. The month opens on Thursday of the coming week. That day, our Mass will be the Optional Memorial of the Irish martyr-saint, Oliver Plunkett. His relic (fragment(s) of bone) lies within our altar. The intention of that Mass reads: “For St. Oliver’s intercession for all our parishioners, and for all our parish’s needs”
We received this relic on 20th June 1986 when our church was consecrated (i.e. declared to be free of debt. (Details are on the website).
Jesus is the New Covenant (i.e. the New Testament) by virtue of his Saving Blood. He is our Saviour, having saved us from eternal death. By his glorious Resurrection and Ascension, he has opened for us the gates of Heaven, and the great promise and prospect of eternal life. Let us truly love him always in a spirit of humble and profound thanksgiving.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church 