Sunday, June 14, is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Exodus 19:2-6a; Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36-10:8.

The reading today from St. Paul to the Romans speaks important truths:

“For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. ... But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

This was our state before Jesus and our state apart from him. The pure mercy and grace of God sets us free. It is a pure gift of God.

“How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.”

Christ has come: It is now possible for us be delivered.

St. Paul’s use of this word “justified” is about relational justice. We are justified by baptism into Christ’s death and by being members of his Body. We enter into a life-changing relationship with the Lord.

The text says that Jesus accomplishes this “by his blood.” Jesus was obedient even unto death on a cross, and his shed blood washes away our sins and restores us to the Father — and saves us from the “wrath.”

The text also says,

“once reconciled, will we are saved by his life.”

Through Jesus’ saving grace, our life is conformed to his, loving what he loves and who he loves. We live more fully, more richly, as the days go by. One day in heaven, we hope, we will experience this fully.

“Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Do you boast of what God has done for you? Do you have an inner joy and peace? Are you glad to be forgiven and reconciled? Do you have a testimony to give?

Scripture says,

“Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

This post was adapted from the guide posted on June 15, 2023.