Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 107

In Christ Jesus you who once were far off

have become near by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, he who made both one

and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh,

abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,

that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,

thus establishing peace....

Our Catholic tradition treasures the Blood of Christ. It's symbolic roots lie in the murder of Abel, whose blood cried to heaven for justice. The flowing blood of sheep and heifers, poured upon the altar (which represented God) and sprinkled upon the people, gave birth to the covenant between the LORD and his people. We never forget the blood which Jesus first shed when he was circumcised, then on the night before he died (according to Saint Luke), and finally from the cross. 

Throughout the many centuries when the congregation was not invited to drink from the chalice, the priest, representing the people, always drank of the cup. That gesture must remind us of Jesus's warning to his over-eager disciples, "Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?" 

For many people, being drawn into a Church which breaks down the dividing wall between rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight, citizens and migrants, the cup of communion is a challenge. They would limit communion to their own kind, the desirable people. And yet there is no rest for them as they continue to kick against the goad. 

Wine, I am assured by some people, is relaxing; and sharing the consecrated wine of the Mass -- the Blood of Christ -- invites us to "come away and rest awhile." Our communion establishes peace. The dividing walls were intended to maintain order but instead created injustice and violence; our communion secures safety and assurance. 

Our readings today -- in mid-July -- remind us that the summer can be a season of relaxation. "The living is easy, fish are jumping, and the cotton is high." Students and workers alike take vacations in summer as they head for mountains, lakes, and ocean shores, or tour cities near and far. 

And yet even the Bible tells us it has often been the season for war. Indeed, summer has become a season for protests against systemic racism in the United States. 

Personally, I find it necessary to practice abstinence in the summertime from the 24-hour news cycle. I don't need that much information; but I do need to withdraw and enjoy communion with the Church and the Lord. 

The LORD invites us to, "“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” We will find many people resting with us, including the homeless, the unchurched, and other deplorables. And when our Host looks upon us, his heart will be moved with pity for we are indeed, like sheep without a shepherd.