2 Aug
Thu 		17th Week in Ordinary Time
St Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop
Ex. 40:16-21
Ps. 84:2-5, 7
Mt. 13:47-53
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Today's reading from Exodus describes in clear imagery Israel's experience of God's presence with them 'throughout all their journey'. The symbols of the cloud and fire express their deep conviction of God's constant guidance. The Gospel reading challenges us to be alert to the manifestations of God in our own lives. 'The scribe trained for the kingdom . . . brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.' We can at times, like the author of Exodus, look back on our lives and realize that God was present with us all along the way. And so we draw out of our own storehouse the treasures of experience and memory. But the Gospel says that we need to draw out what is new as well as what is old. We need to stand ready and attentive to the present, trusting that God can and will continue to reveal His presence and direction for our lives.


Lord, give direction to my life.

DAILY OFFERING
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 may 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.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
The awareness that only God is the master of human life may orientate the decisions of the legislators and leaders of nations
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : The awareness that only God is the master of human life may orientate the decisions of the legislators and leaders of nations

Evidence shows with increasing clarity how policies and laws opposed to life are causing societies to decline morally, demographically and economically. The encyclical Evangelium Vitae makes the urgent appeal "that we offer this world of ours new signs of hope, and work to ensure that justice and solidarity will increase and that a new culture of human life will be affirmed, for the building of an authentic civilisation of truth and love".

Thus there is no reason for a defeatist mentality which claims that laws opposed to the right of life are inevitable. On the contrary, they are a seed of corruption for society and its foundations. The civil and moral conscience cannot accept this false inevitability. The relationship between the civil and moral law deserves great attention because of the growing importance they are destined to have in the restoration of social life.

Lawmakers are asked to renew their commitment to change unjust laws that legitimise or tolerate such violence. The changing of laws must be preceded and accompanied by the changing of mentalities and morals on a vast scale. The Church cannot spare any effort nor can she accept negligence or guilty silence.



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