The Bridegroom and Blessing

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the 51st anniversary of our marriage, lead us to ponder our great blessing and our desire to share love, hope, and blessing with our family and friends.

Bride Groom and Blessings

The Reading from the Prophet Amos is an editorial supplement to Amos, added to bring the book into harmony with the positive thrust of the prophetic books in general

* [9:11–15] These verses are most likely an editorial supplement to Amos, added to bring the book into harmony with the positive thrust of the prophetic books in general, especially those written after the exile, when the final edition of Amos was probably completed. The editors would have seen the destruction of Samaria in 722/721 B.C. as the fulfillment of Amos’s prophecies, but in this epilogue they express the view that destruction was not the Lord’s final word for Israel. In Acts 15:15–17, James interprets this passage in a messianic sense. The fallen hut of David: the Davidic kingdom, which included what later became the divided Northern and Southern Kingdoms. All nations claimed in my name: lit., “all nations over whom my name has been pronounced.” This idiom denotes ownership.

* [9:14] Rebuild…inhabit…plant…drink: in this era of restoration, the Lord nullifies the curse of 5:11, which uses these same four verbs, and turns it into a blessing for Israel. (Amos, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 85 declares to Judea that God will be active on their behalf.

* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Question About Fasting.

* [9:15] Fasting is a sign of mourning and would be as inappropriate at this time of joy, when Jesus is proclaiming the kingdom, as it would be at a marriage feast. Yet the saying looks forward to the time when Jesus will no longer be with the disciples visibly, the time of Matthew’s church. Then they will fast: see Didache 8:1.

* [9:16–17] Each of these parables speaks of the unsuitability of attempting to combine the old and the new. Jesus’ teaching is not a patching up of Judaism, nor can the gospel be contained within the limits of Mosaic law. (Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Costanzo comments Change happens. A new generation adopts new practices, creates new technology, the old gives away to the new. And yet change is hard, we grieve what has past, we wish the change had not happened, we are slow or may refuse to accept the change.

However, if our joy and belief is in God’s kingdom should we not trust that change can and will bring something good? If we are graced with faith - then by faith alone we should trust that God will reveal to us the value of the change; to recognize the good and an understanding of its value within our lives.

In today’s scripture Jesus also reminds us of joy. How we should celebrate recognizing “Joy for Joy”. Yes, our world can be described as a fallen, sinful world but there is so much to love and embrace about our world so let’s celebrate this grace. Let’s be willing to reshape our attitudes, engage new ideas, welcome the value change brings, and grow in our faith and pass our positive attitudes, and wonderful faith in God to the next generation so joy stays alive. God’s kingdom as Jesus shared with his disciples is alive and will continue to shatter our expectations but only if we open our hearts to the possibilities. (Costanzo, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “No need to fast in the presence of the Bridegroom,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

"The Pharisees and John's disciples were fasting, and the apostles were not. But Jesus answered them in a spiritual way and indicated to John's disciples that he was a bridegroom. John taught that all hope in life lay in Christ. While he was still preaching, however, his disciples could not be received by the Lord. Up until the time of John, the law and the prophets prevailed, and unless the law came to an end, none of them would subscribe to faith in the gospel. The fact that he said there was no need for his disciples to fast as long as the bridegroom is with them illustrates the joy of his presence and the sacrament of the holy food, which no one need be without while he is present, that is, bearing Christ in the light of the mind. But once he is gone, Jesus says that they will fast, for all those who do not believe that Christ has risen will not have the food of life. By faith in the resurrection, the sacrament of the heavenly bread is received. Whoever is without Christ will be forsaken, fasting from the food of life." (excerpt from the commentary ON MATTHEW 9.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 9:14-17 comments that Jesus’ words remind us that we are not following him on an endlessly painful journey. He is our bridegroom, the fulfillment of all our desires! So we do not lose hope. We trust that his Spirit dwells within us now, and one day we will join him in the glory of heaven.

In this life, we will have troubles, but they cannot compare with the wedding that is to come! While we embrace the sufferings of this life, we keep our hearts fixed on the joy that awaits us: perfect and eternal union with our God in heaven. He wants us to join him in his wedding banquet, a feast that will last for all eternity.

Whether you are feeling God’s closeness, his absence, or a mixture of both today, know that Jesus, your bridegroom, is with you. He will lead you all the way to his heavenly wedding.

“Jesus, I rejoice that you are with me now, as I wait for your return!” (Meditation on Matthew 9:14-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Amos has been tough on the Israelites, predicting being overthrown but he ends with a promise of restoration and abundant harvest and a prophecy  that they will plant vineyards and drink wine and have a permanent dwelling not taken away from them. Did Amos actually write it? The same vocabulary and restoration after suffering is frequent in prophetic texts. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Disciples ask about fasting. Jesus reminds them the wedding guests do not fast while the bridegroom is present. Friar Jude addresses “Why fast?” and cites discipline, repairing relationship with God, solidarity with those who need, and fast as the one who has loved us most has loved us to death. At a wedding we have good food and clothes and maybe Mark put the sayings linked to wedding and new clothes here. Perhaps they were not originally here?

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that writing to a friend, the spiritual writer and Catholic priest Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) reflects on how we share our joy of being God’s beloved with others. 

No one is brought to life through curses, gossip, accusations, or blaming. There is so much of that taking place around us all the time. And it calls forth only darkness, destruction, and death. As the “blessed ones,” we can walk through this world and offer blessings. It doesn’t require much effort. It flows naturally from our hearts. When we hear within ourselves the voice calling us by name and blessing us, the darkness no longer distracts us.

You live in New York. I live in Toronto. As you walk down Columbus Avenue and I down Yonge Street, we can have no illusions about the darkness. The loneliness, the homelessness, and the addictedness of people are all too visible. Yet all of these people yearn for a blessing. That blessing can be given only by those who have heard it themselves…. We are chosen and blessed. When we have truly owned this, have said “Yes” to it, then we can face our own and others’ brokenness with open eyes. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are thankful for our blessings and implore the Spirit to be people who share our experience of faith, hope, and love with the community with whom we share our days.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/9?11 

Costanzo, C. (2026, July 4). Daily Reflection July 4, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-4-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9?14 

  

Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Everyone Is Chosen: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/everyone-is-chosen-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Day Will Come When They Will Fast. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 4, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Discern Direction and Doubt

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle, exhort us to exercise our human talents and testing to contemplate the Way and Action that strengthens our faith, hope and love.

Discerning Direction

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians proclaims we are One in Christ.

* [2:11–22] The Gentiles lacked Israel’s messianic expectation, lacked the various covenants God made with Israel, lacked hope of salvation and knowledge of the true God (Eph 2:11–12); but through Christ all these religious barriers between Jew and Gentile have been transcended (Eph 2:13–14) by the abolition of the Mosaic covenant-law (Eph 2:15) for the sake of uniting Jew and Gentile into a single religious community (Eph 2:15–16), imbued with the same holy Spirit and worshiping the same Father (Eph 2:18). The Gentiles are now included in God’s household (Eph 2:19) as it arises upon the foundation of apostles assisted by those endowed with the prophetic gift (Eph 3:5), the preachers of Christ (Eph 2:20; cf. 1 Cor 12:28). With Christ as the capstone (Eph 2:20; cf. Is 28:16; Mt 21:42), they are being built into the holy temple of God’s people where the divine presence dwells (Eph 2:21–22). (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.) (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 117 calls on the nations to acknowledge God’s supremacy.

* [Psalm 117] This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God’s supremacy. The supremacy of Israel’s God has been demonstrated to them by the people’s secure existence, which is owed entirely to God’s gracious fidelity. (Psalms, PSALM 117 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus appears to Thomas.

* [20:19–29] The appearances to the disciples, without or with Thomas (cf. Jn 11:16; 14:5), have rough parallels in the other gospels only for Jn 20:19–23; cf. Lk 24:36–39; Mk 16:14–18.

* [20:28] My Lord and my God: this forms a literary inclusion with the first verse of the gospel: “and the Word was God.”

* [20:29] This verse is a beatitude on future generations; faith, not sight, matters. (John, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mike Cherney comments that much of what we know about the universe comes from realities we cannot directly observe. We infer the existence of quarks, black holes, and dark matter from their effects. Evidence points beyond itself to a deeper reality; we also are willing to revise our understanding as we learn more.

 I feel that faith may work in a somewhat analogous way. It is not belief without reason; it is trust grounded in signs, testimony, experience, and encounter. I feel that faith too can be dynamic.

The reading from Ephesians reminds us that we are “members of the household of God,” built upon the foundation of the apostles. Thomas, despite his “doubts”, is one of those foundation stones. Indeed, he is often credited as being the first great missionary to the East. My sense is that the Church does not rest upon people who never questioned. It rests upon ordinary men and women whose lives were transformed by their encounter with Christ.

 

We live in a culture that often imagines faith and reason to be adversaries. Yet Thomas shows us that honest questions can become pathways to a deeper knowledge. I have a sense that doubt is not the opposite of faith, rather indifference is. The opposite of faith may be closing ourselves to the possibility that truth may be greater than our current understanding.

 

On this feast day, my prayer focuses on the insights we might gain from Thomas the Apostle.

Dear Lord,

I feel drawn to bring both my mind and my heart to You. 

Help me to grow in and through my search for answers. 

Guide me in a sincere quest for understanding in the laboratory, in the classroom, and in the depths of prayer. 

Help me discover, as Thomas did, how the search itself leads me to You. (Cherney, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes Touching the wounds of Christ and healing the wounds of our unbelief, by Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)

"It was not an accident that that particular disciple was not present. The divine mercy ordained that a doubting disciple should, by feeling in his Master the wounds of the flesh, heal in us the wounds of unbelief. The unbelief of Thomas is more profitable to our faith than the belief of the other disciples. For the touch by which he is brought to believe confirms our minds in belief, beyond all question." (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 26) (Cherney, 2026)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 20:24-29 comments that as we celebrate St. Thomas’ feast day today, let’s consider this famous Gospel scene in light of our own faith in the risen Lord. We know that faith is a gift from God. But it also requires a response on our part: we must “not be unbelieving, but believe” (John 20:27). We have to decide that we will believe, even when we don’t have the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection that Thomas did—and sometimes even when we still have doubts.

Thomas’ initial skepticism didn’t prevent him from becoming a saint. In the same way, your doubts can be the gateway to greater faith. Whenever you are struggling, make the decision to believe, and then be patient. Just as he did with Thomas, the risen Lord will reveal himself to you!

“Jesus, even when I am filled with doubts, I trust in you!” (Meditation on John 20:24-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Letter to the Ephesians speaks about  both Jews and Gentiles as part of the household of God, the foundation of the Church. When Jesus rose on Easter, Thomas had not seen the Risen Jesus. He wants proof and Jesus appears to him a week later. The risen Jesus appears still bearing the wounds for us. Ironically, “Doubting Thomas” gives the greatest expression of faith in the Gospel.  The path from doubt to a stronger faith, like Thomas, is based on what disciples saw and experienced. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus has blessed those that can trust what they have not physically experienced.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that for the theologian Diana L. Hayes, the question “Who am I?” is a central question for people of faith.

We are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. God has placed upon all of us the responsibility of following in God’s own footsteps, of loving all people as God loves us, of seeking their greater good rather than our own individual success. We can only do this by letting go of the “isms” that continue to plague humanity—negativisms based on race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and religious creed. We must begin to remove the blinders we have placed on ourselves that restrict our vision, blinding us to the light of God shining through the face of all God’s people. We must come together as one, seeking to build a community of the faithful that rejects a narrow, dualistic perception of life.

“Who do you, God, say that we are?” We are your children, lost and wandering in a confusing and confused world, but never abandoned, never forsaken, never alone. We are your chosen ones, given knowledge of life and death, and the ability through your grace to use that knowledge to choose life in all of its diversity and to transform this world into your reign. This is our challenge for the coming century and perhaps for the new millennium. May we continue to be blessed with the wisdom and love of God in order to reclaim our full life in the Spirit and be transformed. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we reach out to touch people and places where we seek to understand our role in being disciples who live and love in Jesus Way.

References

Cherney, M. (2026, July 3). Daily Reflection July 3, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-3-2026 

Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2? 

John, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20? 

Meditation on John 20:24-29. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/03/1607294/ 

Psalms, PSALM 117 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/117? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Who Do You Say That We Are? Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/who-do-you-say-that-we-are/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Not Be Faithless - but Believing. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Gifted and Anointed for Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our blessings and our surrender to the call to serve others with our talents and skills.

Healing for Life

The Reading from the Prophet Amos presents his strong reaction to Amaziah’s attempt to classify him as a “prophet-for-hire”.

* [7:14] I am not a prophet: Amos reacts strongly to Amaziah’s attempt to classify him as a “prophet-for-hire” who “earns [his] bread” by giving oracles in exchange for payment (cf. 1 Sm 9:3–10; Mi 3:5). To disassociate himself from this kind of “professional” prophet, Amos rejects outright the title of nabi’ (“prophet”). By profession he is a herdsman/sheepbreeder and a dresser of sycamore trees, but God’s call has commissioned him to prophesy to Israel. (Amos, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 19 declares the creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents the Healing of a Paralytic.

* [9:1] His own town: Capernaum; see Mt 4:13.

* [9:3] Scribes: see note on Mk 2:6. Matthew omits the reason given in the Marcan story for the charge of blasphemy: “Who but God alone can forgive sins?” (Mk 2:7).

* [9:6] It is not clear whether But that you may know…to forgive sins is intended to be a continuation of the words of Jesus or a parenthetical comment of the evangelist to those who would hear or read this gospel. In any case, Matthew here follows the Marcan text.

* [9:8] Who had given such authority to human beings: a significant difference from Mk 2:12 (“They…glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this’”). Matthew’s extension to human beings of the authority to forgive sins points to the belief that such authority was being claimed by Matthew’s church. (Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments on a visit to a brilliant friend suffering from severe dementia. She delights in simple things like the flowers in her garden and the tang of my homemade lemon bars. As we slow down to her pace, we absorb her sense of wonder at things like a smiling child. She heals all of us in a way.

Still meditating on today’s gospel, I left Connie’s house determined to stop missing the miracles I’ve been too busy to notice, like the one I experienced that weekend at a Methodist church pantry program food distribution that St. John’s supports.   

To me the miracle wasn’t that our churches had collected and distributed food but that we volunteers were hit hard by Jesus’ admonitions to welcome the stranger and feed the hungry.  We even talked about this. The experience connected us with our refugee brothers and sisters whom we don’t often encounter in daily life and brought the gospel to life. 

 

Heading back to my comfortable home, I thought about how we all need healing whether we are suffering physically like the paralytic or spiritually like the authorities. We need to let the small miracles of goodness that we experience in daily life transform us. So I’m going to try to notice and live the healing miracles happening all around me. (Wirth, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Healing of soul and body,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

"Now in the narrative of the paralytic a number of people are brought forward for healing. Jesus' words of healing are worthy of reflection. The paralytic is not told, 'Be healed.' He is not told, 'Rise and walk.' But he is told, 'Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven you.' The paralytic is a descendant of the original man, Adam. In one person, Christ, all the sins of Adam are forgiven. In this case the person to be healed is brought forward by ministering angels. In this case, too, he is called a son, because he is God's first work. The sins of his soul are forgiven him, and pardon of the first transgression is granted. We do not believe the paralytic committed any sin [that resulted in his illness], especially since the Lord said elsewhere that blindness from birth had not been contracted from someone's sin or that of his parents" [John 9:1-3]. (excerpt from commentary ON MATTHEW 8.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Amos 7:10-17 comments that no one grows in holiness if they are surrounded by people who only affirm them. We all need people in our lives who are willing to help us see our blind spots and challenge us when necessary.

The better response is to examine your heart to see if there is any truth to what you’ve heard. Ask the Lord for the grace to correct any area in your life where you may be falling short of his will. And then trust that he will show you the way forward. Remember: God never convicts us of sin without also giving us a sense of hope and a willingness to make amends. If you follow this conviction, repent of any sin you see, and decide to make a change, he will honor your humility and sincerity of heart.

“Jesus, help me to be open to those who will speak a truth that can set me free!” (Meditation on Amos 7:10-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Amos actually came from Judah but preached in the northern kingdom with a region with unstable leaders who could be overthrown by words from a prophet. When Amos is told to be quiet, he declares himself not a prophet and not a member of the community of prophets. What is he saying as a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees he would split the fruit as a poor man. When called by the Lord, Amos curses the priest for attempting to keep him from speaking.  Amos' language is that of one who speaks like a farmer. In the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus heals a Paralytic, the first words out of Jesus’ mouth are that the sins of the Paralytic are forgiven, as Jesus heals the greater hurt first. The Pharisees are scandalized because forgiving sins is the exclusive prerogative of GOD. Friar Jude comments that Jesus heals and the people are struck with awe which is the proper response of those willing to see and anger to those who refuse to see what He is doing.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, writes about the transformative power of accepting our own belovedness. The lives of saints and mystics never point to themselves, but always and forever beyond themselves to the One who chooses them, uses them, and loves them. They become models for us. [1]

To allow ourselves to be God’s beloved is to be God’s beloved. To allow ourselves to be chosen is to be chosen. To allow ourselves to be blessed is to be blessed. It is so hard to accept being accepted, especially from God. It takes a certain kind of humility to surrender to it, and even more to persist in believing it. Any persons used by God know this to be true: God chooses and then uses whom God chooses, and their usability comes from their willingness to allow themselves to be chosen in the first place. What a paradox!  

God’s love is constant and irrevocable; our part is to be open to it and let it transform us. There is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love us more than God already does, and there is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love us less. We are stuck with it! The only difference is between those who allow it and those who don’t. They are both equally and objectively the beloved, but one just enjoys it and draws ever-new life from that realization. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to alert us to the gifts with which we are blessed and inspire us to join Jesus and apply our time and talent to work producing fruit in the vineyard of the Lord.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/7?10 

Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9?1 

Meditation on Amos 7:10-17. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/01/1606059/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Loved to Love Others. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loved-to-love-others/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Take Heart - Your Sins Are Forgiven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wirth, E. (2026, July 2). Daily Reflection July 2, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-2-2026