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"God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." This is a rather profound insight into the mind and heart of God as manifested in his gifts and in his call. It invites us to reflect on our image of God. For many people, perhaps, the saying of Job reflects reality: "The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away". Isaiah moves a step closer to Paul's insight when he consoles Jerusalem: "I did forsake you for a brief moment but with great love I will take you back" (Isaiah 54:7). Read in the light of Isaiah's consoling confidence, Paul's insight is a great consolation for us.
Paul goes on to consider how God's call is irrevocable. He does this through a reflection on a reality which troubled the early Church. Why did the Gentiles respond to God's call and believe in Jesus while the Jews refused to respond to him? Paul sees God's irrevocable call working through the disobedience of the Jews to bring them the same mercy as that now enjoyed by the Gentiles. Jeremiah sums up all these thoughts in wonderfully enlightening and consoling words: "I have loved you with an everlasting love and I am always constant in my affection for you". (Jer 31:3).
Lord, let Your constant affection protect us, when we are afflicted and in danger.
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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 priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, support in their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity.
Elaboration
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