The 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday 23 July 2023

Today is Sunday the 23rd of July, beginning the 16th week of Ordinary time.

The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing: Le Seigneur est Roi: “The Lord is King, with majesty enrobed; the Lord has robed himself with might; he has girded himself with power.” As I listen, can I imagine God like this, as King of the world? And the people around me, the whole world around me, as God’s kingdom?

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We are invited in today’s reading from the book of Wisdom to remember the one and only God who cares for all of us and whose sovereignty spares all of us.

Wisdom 12:13,16-19

For neither is there any god besides you, whose care is for all people,
to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly;
For your strength is the source of righteousness,
and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power,
and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness,
and with great forbearance you govern us;
for you have power to act whenever you choose.
Through such works you have taught your people
that the righteous must be kind,
and you have filled your children with good hope,
because you give repentance for sins.

‘For neither is there any god besides you’. When I hear these words, am I reminded of any time in my life, even now, when I have turned to other gods?

Why did I turn to them? Maybe because of doubt, uncertainty, or insolence?

Listen to the reading again and hear God reassuring you. This is the God who cares for you, whose sovereignty spares you rather than condemn you to damnation, who judges you mildly, and who governs you with forbearance. Does this motivate you in any way with respect to the choices that are set before you?

Don’t be afraid now! Speak to the Lord, frankly and humbly asking for whatever you need to dedicate yourself totally to him and to the mission he has for you.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.