Shalom

14 Jul Sat	14th Week in Ordinary Time
	Gen. 49:29-32, 50:15-26a Ps. 105:1-4, 6-7 Mt. 10:24-33

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When Jacob died, his sons feared Joseph might seek revenge for their former cruelty to him. But Joseph reassured them and explained that even their malice fitted into God's plan. God guides all things according to His own purpose because He loves us and He knows exactly what is best for us.

Jesus was accused of blashemy because His mission of love challenged the position of those who used religion for their own power and prestige. He was 'persecuted in the cause of right'. As disciples of Christ, there is no doubt that we too will come up against the same treatment. Today in the Gospel we are told to have courage and not to fear or flinch before the costs of discipleship. Jesus encourages us to carry on with the mission of love and healing that He is sharing with us. He tells us not to fear men but to fear only God 'who can destroy both body and soul in hell' (Mt. 10:28). Therefore let us live and speak with courage because no matter what happens we cannot drift beyond the love and care of our God.

Dear Lord, help us to trust You when our faith is stretched and we are tempted to fear. Thank You for reminding us that You have a plan and a purpose for our lives. Amen.

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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