2 Jul
Mon 		13th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 18:16-33
Ps. 103:1-4, 8-11
Mt. 8:18-22
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The story of Abraham bargaining with the Lord shows that the Lord's ways, (as unfair as they seemed to Abraham, were indeed just; there weren't even ten good men in the whole place. The reading shows what sin deserves, and how universal it is in humankind. Hence it is not the limited instance of Sodom and Gommorrah.

However, we see the compassionate God ever-willing to forgive and accept the people who prefer their death-ward trip or rebellion against God! In our society can we find such patience and compassion in our relationship with others especially when people have hurt or wronged us and need our forgiveness and acceptance?

The Gospel reading points to another aspect of Christian living. It is one of single-mindedness, it is the courage to live life fully rather than linger around death. Though the remark of Jesus to the disciple may seem inconsiderate and without compassion, yet it contains a stirring invitation to value the goodness of life. It is a call to choose life and to live it faithfully (see Deut. 30:19-20). In this is found a fulfilling life. But how often have we failed in our relationship with others and rebelled - how much more so with God?


Lord, deepen within me a strong desire to love life and live it fully as Your Son did.

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
That the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ
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 : That the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ

Abraham and Mary received a wonderful promise from God. For both Abraham and Mary, the divine promise came as something completely unexpected. God disrupted the daily course of their lives, overturning its settled rhythms and conventional expectations. The promise seemed impossible. We must learn to walk in darkness.

Modelling ourselves on Mary, we ask her to help us look at and to listen to, to ponder and to penetrate the deep and mysterious meaning of the very simple, very humble and very beautiful appearing of the Son of God. We pray for a great renewal of faith in all the children of the Church everywhere to preach the good news to the poor. We ask her to teach us the way of humble and joyful obedience to the Gospel in the service of our brothers and sisters, without preferences and without prejudices. A deep renewal that is not just reflected in a general attitude to life, but as a conscious and courageous profession of the Creed. We ask the Holy Family to inspire all Christians to defend the family against so many present-day threats to its nature, its stability and its mission. We pray the efforts of Christians and of all people of good will to defend life and to promote respect for the dignity of every human being.



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