This week's readings overturn the typical ideas about what makes someone holy and what makes someone powerful:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/070608.shtml
Jesus was not the political, military Messiah that some people were expecting. His followers were not generally people of influence, wealth, or power. Jesus spent a lot of time challenging the hypocritical religious leaders of the time who only appeared to be holy.
Instead, Jesus surrounded himself with the poor, the rejected, the outcasts, the sick, the young, the powerless. His spiritual power was realized through a completely self-giving and humble love. His truth was revealed to those who were open to seeing it where it wasn't expected.
For prayer and reflection this week:
Have you ever felt disappointed in God for not fulfilling your expectations? How did God surprise you?