13 Jul
Fri
14th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 46:1-7, 28- 30
Ps. 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Mt. 10:16-23
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It seems that trials are an inescapable part of our human life. We become ill; we have misunderstandings with even the people we love; we are disappointed in our work. Very often these frustrations are a real test of our faith. The two readings today speak directly to the meaning of these trials in the life of the follower of Jesus. In the first reading, Jacob is commanded by Yahweh to go with his family to Egypt, a strange and alien land where his beloved son, Joseph, was sold into slavery. Yahweh does not tell him there will be no hardships. But He does tell Jacob not to be afraid, because "I will go with you... and I will bring you back to your home" in Israel.

Similarly, in the second reading, Jesus sends out His disciples "as sheep among wolves". They will face hostility from both Jews and Gentiles - as Jesus Himself did. They will be persecuted, and some of them will even face death. But again, as with Jacob of old, Jesus promises them that as long as they go forth in His name, His Father will protect them. As Yahweh told Jacob that He will protect him, so too Jesus' word to every disciple who makes a commitment to follow Him. However, it won't be easy, just as Calvary was not easy. But He will always be with us in the struggle. And in the end, when He "brings us home again", we will know that all the hardships have been worthwhile!



Lord, be with us in our struggles.

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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