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"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hb 13:16) This resonates with the motive of hope. Hope is never an abstract idea. It is a working word. Concretely, it is precisely the fulfillment of Jesus' sacrifice that we see hope in people who transmit a more meaningful life. Hope is always associated with doing good and sharing the benefits that we are privileged to have. Hope is never compatible with ill will or earning gain or fame corruptly. It satisfies the true longing of humanity. Indeed, our humble Pope Benedict XVI said "The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life."
The hope that Jesus propagates is at once universal and very particular. In today's Gospel of Mark, Jesus identified the needs of the disciples and the crowds; rest for the exhausted disciples and guidance for the aimless crowds. On the other hand, the disciples and the crowds identify Jesus as their hope. The joy and satisfaction that the disciples experienced cannot be kept but must be reported and shared, they wanted Jesus to marvel at them. Jesus assured that this need to be listened to must be done in a quiet place. While this is being affirmed, the aimless crowd was expecting something too. And Jesus saw their need for compassion and taught them many things. Jesus did not simply discard them.
Lord, guide us to identify and give recognition to the greater needs today.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day jul be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
For vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ's mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Elaboration
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