23 Jul
Mon 		16th Week in Ordinary Time
St Bridget, religious
Ex. 14:5-18
(R.Ps.) Ex. 15:1-6
Mt. 12:38-42
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The Scribes and Pharisees who sought a sign from Jesus were reared on the memory of the great signs their people's God had shown His people. Their faith was nurtured on the memory of God's great intervention in their history at the Exodus. Though they might grumble in terror provoked by the unexpected turns in their fortunes as a people, they would remember the words of Moses: 'Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today.' Such memories are distinctly challenged by the uncompromising words of Jesus: 'It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign!' And yet the sign that Jesus would give, His death and resurrection, surpasses, if only our faith could recognise it, all previous actions of God, and prompts us to proclaim: 'I will sing to the Lord; glorious his triumph; I extol him, my Father's God, and I give his praise.'


Lord, help my unbelief, give me the grace to trust You more and enjoy Your love and presence.

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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