19 Jul
Thu
15th Week in Ordinary Time
Ex. 3:13-20
Ps. 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-27
Mt. 11:28-30
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We invest so much in work. Hence the way we view our work has great significance. If we can find meaning in our work, it becomes a blessing. But if none can be found, it becomes almost a curse. For many people work is monotonous, tiring and unspectacular. Apart from the odd break from the routine, nothing great ever happens. For others, work can be tiresome and a burden. And yet a kind of greatness is still open to all of them. To perform our ordinary work well, day in and day out, presents no small challenge. In fact, it calls for a kind of heroism. It is a call to holiness and sanctification.

People who have found meaning in their work can be said to be truly blessed: 'Happy are those who have found meaning in their work, no matter how humble it may be.' They have indeed found a vocation in life. That's the difference between a mere profession and a vocation. Even though their work may be difficult and unspectacular, it can be transformed into a labour of love that glows with meaning. Those who have found the "yoke that is easy and the burden that is light" are saved from the tragedy of having only lived a portion of their lives. Through their work, they find salvation; they become co-creators with God, transforming while being transformed by the gift which they have received and which they now share with others.



Father, help us to find salvation through our work.

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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