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The deportation of the Israelites from their land marked one of the most traumatic and tragic moments in their history. Not only were they turned out, the Temple of the Lord, the royal palace and their homes were all burned down and King Zedekiah was blinded. In these difficult moments, the lament of the people focused on the memory of Jerusalem and Zion. They could not sing joyful songs as they had left behind their joy in the ruins of Jerusalem. In the first reading and responsorial psalm, today's Word of God captures in vivid detail their suffering.
This record inspires us to find comfort in God, knowing that we too have experienced moments of pain and rejection in our lives. We do not need to pretend to be happy or whole, but in our prayers and sighs, we can turn to Christ Who has seen and experienced all the sorrows of life. Jesus is ever willing to meet and heal us in our sadness, like the leper in today's Gospel. When he asks for healing, Jesus, with His emphatic words, 'Of course I want to! Be cured!' reflects His unstinting compassion and care. Do I also hear Jesus' consoling words when I seek Him sincerely in my troubles?
Lord, like the people who sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept, we also weep for our sins and beg for Your mercy and forgiveness. We trust in Your consoling presence when we are in trouble.
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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 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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
For the values of sports.
Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
Elaboration
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