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Resolutely Determined

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

In the Gospel for this Sunday, St. Luke states that Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem is where Jesus would be handed over to the authorities in order to fulfill His mission from the Father to redeem mankind on the cross. The word “determined” tells us that Jesus had made a firm decision and was going to move forward to carry it out regardless of the difficulties that He might encounter. What is interesting here, however, is that the St. Luke adds that Jesus was “resolutely determined,” as if to emphasize that Jesus was beyond resolved to save us. In other words, Jesus was resolutely determined to love us.

Has there ever been someone in your life who was so resolved to love you that nothing—not even the greatest obstacles, even hours of agonizing torture and death—could stand in the way? For most of us, the only people who come close to showing this kind of love are our parents through their daily loving sacrifices. Even parents, however, are not as perfect in their love for us as the Lord. For Jesus, every moment, every prayer, every suffering in His earthly life was an expression of His love for us as well as His resolute determination to do absolutely everything necessary to ensure our salvation.

As the summer months begin, I would like to invite you to take time in the quiet moments that tend to be more plentiful this time of year to reflect on the fact that Jesus is resolutely determined to love you.

Nothing and no one could, can, or ever will stop Him from this decision. During His earthly life, Jesus expressed this determination in all of the suffering that He endured, and even now Jesus continues to express His resolute resolve to Love us in the Eucharist, which the Lord promises will remain until the end of the ages.

Do you realize what an immense gift this is?

Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur

Readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 99

I am very happy to welcome into our parish community Fr. Gilbert Rushubiwa Mashurano, who will serve as Associate Pastor. Father comes to OLW from St. Raymond de Penafort, where he served for 5 years. Originally from Tanzania, Fr. Gilbert has a joyful, enthusiastic, and humble spirit, and we are very fortunate to have him with us.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Fr. Gilbert after Sunday Mass and whenever you might have an opportunity to see him on the parish grounds or visiting the parish school.

Welcome, Fr. Gilbert! May God bless your ministry here.