19 Sep
Thu
24th Week in Ordinary Time
St. Januarius, Bishop & Martyr
1 Cor 15:1-11
Ps 117:1-2, 16-17, 28
Lk 7:36-50
(Ps Wk IV)
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God has left us a clear set of teachings and an illuminated path to follow. But it is so easy to drift away and get off course. The community in Corinth had drifted from Paul's proclamation concerning the death and resurrection of Christ. Some even denied that there was a resurrection of the dead. Paul had to explain that the resurrection of Jesus is pivotal and it is linked to our own resurrection. Jesus' tragic death was inevitable for the redemption of our sins. It had been foretold by Scripture, not of his own making. Jesus was raised to life and appeared to the disciples and to Paul. He will return to take His own with Him; hence, it is necessary to remain faithful in the meantime.

In Luke's drama, people were scandalized – a notoriously sinful woman had invaded the banquet and was making a scene, weeping and washing the feet of Jesus with her tears. And to their horror, she was touching Jesus, and it did not offend Him. So, to them, Jesus couldn't be a holy man. Jesus knew what they were thinking and, with a parable, He taught them a lesson. Only those who have been forgiven can truly love – forgiveness sets the heart free. The woman was showing great love in her devotion to Jesus, whereas His hosts failed to offer true hospitality to Him. Her great love was a sign of a heart set free.


Lord, You died for our sins, empower us to forgive generously.



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
Let us pray that each of us listens with our heart to the cry of the Earth and to the victims of environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.
Elaboration

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