Shalom

12 Jul Thu	14th Week in Ordinary Time
	Gen. 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 Ps. 105:16-21 Mt. 10:7-15

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God truly guides and rules the world by divine power and providence. Out of jealousy the brothers of Joseph had sold him into slavery many years before. Here Joseph has risen to power in Pharaoh's court, controlling the food supply in time of famine. Not recognizing him, they beg for mercy, but overcome with emotion he reveals himself to his brothers. A marvellous coincidence? Not at all. Joseph understands God's loving providence directing all human hearts, even changing evil into good: "God sent me here to save lives."

Jesus preached that the kingdom of God was at hand. To show this to be true, he performed marvellous cures and exorcisms, and gave the same power to His disciples. They were totally dependent upon God for these divine gifts, and even for their sustenance and lodging. God provided everything for them.

Even today the Lord's loving providence touches our lives in all its details with its joys and sufferings. He brings good out of the evil of sickness and human failure, giving us joy or at least the courage and strength to bear the calamities affecting us. The Lord works still greater wonders through the sacraments that provide miracles of grace to newborn babies.

Lord, help us to see Your hand reaching out to us wherever we are. We believe and are grateful that you care for us and transform our spirits more and more into the divine image.

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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