27Jul
Fri 		16th Week in Ordinary Time
Ex. 20:1-17
Ps. 19:7-10
Mt. 13:18-23
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At the request of the disciples, Jesus explains to them the meaning of the parable preached to the great crowds (Mt.13:4-9). When we accept the invitation to hear the word of God, we have to be generous ourselves and live our faith more in love. The reward of love is, from the part of God a greater love. In this way the disciples will go deeper into the mystery of the Kingdom of God.

Christ sows with His preaching. Today the sowing is continued in the Church. The results may not be the same. As a harvest depends on the condition of the soil, so will the yield be conditioned by the generosity of those who listen to it.

Three types of listeners are clearly portrayed. However "it is not enough to hear the Word", a self- examination of life is needed; examination which challenges us to an internal and deeper commitment. In this way, the vital strength of the Word will achieve splendid results. Let us ask the Lord for openness, generosity and courage to respond fully to His Word.


Lord, Your words give joy to the heart. Open my heart and mind to hear Your word.

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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