4 Jul
Fri
St Elizabeth of Portugal
Gen. 23:1-4,19
24:1-8,62-67
Ps. 106:1-5
Mt. 9:9-13
(Ps Wk I)
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The death of Sarah was mourned by Abraham, her loving husband, and by Isaac, her devoted son. Abraham knew that he was soon to follow her, but he also believed that God's plan would be carried on through Isaac.

The story of Isaac and Rebekah is beautifully told in the Bible. The promises of God continue. Isaac and Rebekah will have a son, Jacob, who will be the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. One of these twelve tribes will be that of Judah, the Jews from whom the Messiah will be born.

God was very patient in unfolding His plan. He knew the right moment in history for the coming of His Son, born of the house of David of the tribe of Judah. Through the human arms of His divine Son God the Father would reach out to embrace the whole world in His love. The Pharisees in the Gospel did not have the mind of God. They were petty where God was big, exclusive where God was all loving. That is why they could not comprehend the actions of Jesus whereby He welcomed even those considered to be sinners and outside the law. It matters not what our ancestry is. Jesus has shown us that God is our true Father who embraces us with divine love.



Lord, help me overcome my pettiness, and let my apostolic ambition reach the whole world, without discrimination.

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 governments and those responsible for the economy and finance of the world, may make an effort to guarantee all peoples the necessary means to live in a dignified way.
Elaboration

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