6 Jul
Sun
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Ez. 2:2-5
Ps. 123:1-2,3-4
2 Cor. 12:7-10
Mk. 6:1-6
(Ps Wk II)
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Blaise Pascal in one of his writings, Pensees says that " It is the design of God to redeem mankind, and to bestow salvation on those who sincerely seek it. . . . To these, he renders himself easily discernible, . . . but he conceals himself from those who are equally disposed to shun him." Then he goes on to say "the design of God is rather to rectify the will, than to satisfy the understanding" and "the mercy of God is so great that even when he conceals himself, he gives us knowledge of salvation."

God's sending of Ezekiel to the stubborn and defiant Israelites is one of many instances where in His mercy, God gives "knowledge of salvation". Again, in Paul's case, his sincere seeking of God's salvation leads him to knowledge. This knowledge comes in the form of "rectifying his own will" into an acceptance of his affliction, and thus into an understanding of his own suffering in terms of his union with Christ.

Unfortunately, the people of Jesus' own hometown were disturbed by and could not accept the contradictions of Christianity that Jesus preached and lived. They did not want to be challenged by the local carpenter, not realizing that shunning Him meant losing out on God's gift of the knowledge of salvation.



Lord, send Your Spirit to us that we may see and act in the grace of faith. Amen.

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 governments and those responsible for the economy and finance of the world, may make an effort to guarantee all peoples the necessary means to live in a dignified way.
Elaboration

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