7 Jul
Sat 		13th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 27:1-5, 15-29
Ps. 135:1-6
Mt. 9:14-17
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In today's Gospel we hear about appropriate behaviour and practical wisdom. Mourning does not befit the festive atmosphere of a wedding. Rather, the celebration requires rejoicing from all who participate. It is equally foolish not to know the effects of shrinkage and new wine. The one who is ignorant of the practicalities of life is destined for calamity. Just so the one who cannot with true wisdom discern the presence of Christ manifested in his or her life. It takes spiritual wisdom to recognize that presence, a sense of when and where God calls with a special invitation. Even in the first reading, a story that sounds strange and unfair, enterprising Rebekah gets her way because she knows when to act. The right moments for meeting God can be seized upon only by those who know how to recognize them.


Lord, help me to recognize You and carry out Your will accordingly.

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 the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ

Abraham and Mary received a wonderful promise from God. For both Abraham and Mary, the divine promise came as something completely unexpected. God disrupted the daily course of their lives, overturning its settled rhythms and conventional expectations. The promise seemed impossible. We must learn to walk in darkness.

Modelling ourselves on Mary, we ask her to help us look at and to listen to, to ponder and to penetrate the deep and mysterious meaning of the very simple, very humble and very beautiful appearing of the Son of God. We pray for a great renewal of faith in all the children of the Church everywhere to preach the good news to the poor. We ask her to teach us the way of humble and joyful obedience to the Gospel in the service of our brothers and sisters, without preferences and without prejudices. A deep renewal that is not just reflected in a general attitude to life, but as a conscious and courageous profession of the Creed. We ask the Holy Family to inspire all Christians to defend the family against so many present-day threats to its nature, its stability and its mission. We pray the efforts of Christians and of all people of good will to defend life and to promote respect for the dignity of every human being.



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