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The historical books of the Old Testament record events in the history of Israel, but more particularly they record Israel's history of infidelity. Yesterday, we read how the priest restored the covenant between God and Israel: the people of Israel would once again be the Lord's people. They rejoiced because the Temple and the religion which it represented were restored. Yet we read today how Israel once again fell away from the true faith and broke their relationship with God. So Zechariah had to perform the prophet's duty, once more castigating them for their infidelity: "Because you have abandoned the Lord, he has abandoned you". In many small ways, we are like Israel: faithful to the Lord and then becoming somewhat careless about our relationship with God.
"Why are you transgressing the Lord's commands, so that you cannot prosper?" It is somewhat inaccurate and even dangerous to affirm a causal relationship between personal sin and any particular misfortune. Nevertheless, Zechariah's words are always worth pondering in prayer. If we allow no space for God in our lives, we should not be surprised if we seem to lack God's gifts.
Father in Heaven, bless us with a spirit of reflection, a deeper self knowledge and self awareness so that, realizing our faults and failings, we may continually turn back to you, Our Lord and God.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That every national and international institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.
Elaboration
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