9 Aug
Thu
18th Week in Ordinary Time
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin & martyr
Jer. 31:31-34
Ps. 51(50):12-13,14-15,18-19
Mt. 16:13-23
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David, the king of Israel, wrote Psalm 51 after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband (2 Samuel 11). He wrote it after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan, and confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13).

Psalm 51 is the humble, sincere prayer of a sinner who is sorry for his sins; someone who is looking forward to God's forgiveness and restoration. David asks God to "create" for him a "pure heart" - which only God can do. He realized that he had sinned because he was not steadfast enough - he was swayed by temptation and his own devious desire. He is also afraid that God will cast him away from God's presence; deprive him of the Holy Spirit and God's help. It is a fervent prayer realizing how much he will lose without God's "mercy… unfailing love…and ''great compassion" (v 1).

In humility, David asked for a spirit of fervour to sustain him (v 12) - God's spirit that will not only "sustain" him, but will strengthen him to teach transgressors God's ways and help sinners return to God (v 13).

Are your spirit and heart, broken, because of your sin(s)? God will never turn away from anyone (in their brokenness) who goes before God in humility. What would you say to God in your repentance?



"A humbled, contrite heart You will not spurn" (Ps. 51: v 17)


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 any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicans may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.
Elaboration

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