9 Aug
Fri
18th Week in Ordinary Time
Nah. 2:1,3
3:1-3,6-7
(R. Ps.) Dt. 32:35-36, 39,41
Mt. 16:24-28 (Psalter week II)
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The Prophet Nahum rejoices in the destruction of the city of Nineveh, the capital of the neo-Assyrian Empire. Yahweh now redresses the pain of the northern kingdom of Israel (destroyed in 722 BC by this power) and the anxiety of the other smaller nations of the ancient Near East. We may find it repugnant to see an inspired writer gloating over the defeat of the hated enemy. Perhaps we would do well to transfer that abhorrence of evil to our own times. How do we react to the instances of injustice and greed? Do we make known the evil festering in our midst and seek to liberate both oppressor and oppressed?

In the Gospel Jesus teaches His doctrine of reversal of values. If we lose ourselves, we find ourselves. The cross is the gauge of our willingness to accept Jesus and His message. To borrow somewhat from Paul, self-fulfilment comes from self-emptying. Are we willing to move away from the gravitational pull of our ego to make Jesus the core of our existence? Do we dare to wait for reward on the last day rather than seek compensation here and now?



Lord, take away the greed and selfishness of my life.

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 respect for the environment, God's gift to all men and women, may increase both on a personal level and on that of world public opinion.
Elaboration

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