8 Jul
Mon
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Hos 2:16-18, 21-22
Ps 144:2-9
Mt 9:18-26
(Ps Wk II)
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Are we seeking God as much as God is seeking us? In Prophet Hosea, we are given the beautiful image of God's tender and persistent love towards Israel in which the Lord says, "I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart." And by the Lord's righteousness, justice, love, and mercy, Israel shall come to be found by and know the Lord.

The Psalmist continues with praises to the Lord of His immeasurable greatness that are recounted from age to age.

The Gospel then presents us the perspective of those seeking God. In desperation, grief, and long suffering, the official whose daughter had died and the woman who endured 12 years of haemorrhage were drawn to Jesus. Against all odds, they were both given the healing they had been looking for.

Here we find the constant dynamic of seeking and being found in our relationship with God. As much as we are looking for God, He is ever ready to seek us out, to love us and show us the path to true life. May we learn the courage and faith of the woman who was willing to reach out, even if it was just to touch Jesus' cloak. The submissive request of the official for his daughter tells us God meets us where we are. Our smallest gestures of reaching out to God are met with His warmth and compassion.


Lord, in adversity may we hear Your consoling words, "Courage! Your faith has saved you."



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 jul 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
For the pastoral care of the sick -
Let us pray that the Sacrament of the nointing of the Sick grant the Lord's strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope.
Elaboration

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