24 Sep
Tue
25th Week in Ordinary Time
(Psalter Week I)
Prov. 21:1-6,10-13
Ps. 118:1,27,30,34, 35,44
Lk. 8:19-21
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To be a follower of Christ is to enter a new family. It is a family not based on blood or race or nationality. It is a family based on total commitment to the way of life which Jesus has laid out for us and which He has demonstrated by His own life. In the Gospel, Jesus' family is said to be looking for Him. We are also told that He had become an embarrassment to them because of what He was saying and doing. But they cannot reach Him due to the crowd around Him. When He was told that His mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to see Him, Jesus simply replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and live it out in their lives." The word 'outside' is very significant. It implies that those who are 'inside' are not just those literally inside the house but those who are at one with Jesus because they hear His word and follow it. To hear the word is not just a physical hearing but implies a total acceptance of Jesus' teaching, making it the basis of one's life.

We may be surprised to see Mary standing with the 'outsiders'. She is always there to help the weak. Yet we know from other parts of Luke's Gospel that no one heard Jesus more perfectly and no one was more faithful to Him to the very last moment of His life on the cross, then Mary, His beloved mother.



Teach me, Mary my mother, how to listen to Your Son and to model my life on His and on Your 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
For children and youths in Catholic Schools, that in the course of their training they may encounter strong and wise educators who will help them to grow in their religious faith and healthy attitudes to life.
Elaboration

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