What is on your mind?

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on how our mind
works and how our thoughts influence our daily lives. The human brain is
complex and unique; it is the center of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. When
we feel joy, we are attune to the beauty of life; on the other hand, heavy thoughts
can bring unrest. This duality is always present, reminding us of the importance
of caring for our inner world.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows signs of inner distress. He says, “Do you
think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather
division.” Here, we see a picture of Jesus, showing both His divine nature and
human nature. His grief over Jerusalem and His friend Lazarus reminds us of His
compassion. At the same time, this passage shows us another side of His
humanity, His concern about what lies ahead. Just like Jesus faced anxious
thoughts, we all experience moments of inner struggle. Let’s pause and consider
what’s filling our minds. Just imagine our thoughts as a cup: sometimes filled with
positivity, and sometimes with negativity. When life throws a curveball, what’s
inside can spill out.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faces the deep struggle between
human emotion and divine purpose as he kneels and prays: “Father, if you are
willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done” (Luke
22:42). His prayer highlights the process of releasing burdens and accepting
God’s will, which ultimately brings peace. Our journeys reflect this story. Life’s
ups and downs can rattle our minds, but like Jesus, we have the strength to face
our challenges and find peace amidst the chaos when we invite God into our
lives. The Cross of Jesus offers us a way to restore our minds and find hope.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel readings,
let us strive to fill our hearts with love, peace, and joy. Let Jesus’s example
inspire us to accept divine will, allowing His teachings to guide our thoughts.
When gentleness, kindness, and forgiveness are rooted within our hearts, they
will naturally extend into our interactions, ultimately strengthening our families
and communities. During difficult times, let us echo the Responsorial Psalms,
“Lord, come to my aid!” Turning our minds toward God opens pathways for hope,
transforming our perspective and guiding us toward a life that reflects Christ’s
love. In doing so, we cultivate a mindset aligned with the divine, causing our
hearts and minds to overflow with God’s goodness.

Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor