15 Jun
Thu
10th Week in Ordinary Time
1 Kgs. 18:41-46
Ps. 65:9-12
Mt. 5:20-26
(Ps Wk II)
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Say the daily
Novena to the Sacred Heart

When preparing for Confession, we tend to skip the 5th Commandment: "YOU SHALL NOT KILL: Nothing to declare on this subject. Next!" But, wait: There are plenty of slow fire killers: make sure you are not one! The Sermon on the Mountain opens the Ten Commandments to an unrestricted love of God and people; but curses and insults break this love, therefore they are sins against the 5th Commandment. In some paragraphs of the so-called "Gospel of Matthew" we can identify the pen of a professional Lawyer. Today's Gospel echoes Jesus' declarations in juridical terms, possibly referring to cases the author has handled in Court. So insult in civil courts is an offense deserving penalties. And modern psychology proves that insult can at times develop a trauma that destroys a personality forever. "But I did not intend to hurt anyone!" Yeah, you did not intend, but you did hurt! To heal the wound before it turns chronic, we should seek reconciliation the way today's Gospel puts it (more urgent than prayer and sacrifice!). And, to prevent new wounds, better keep our tongue under control!



Lord, help me to become aware of those moments when I caused emotional injury to others. I pray that they be healed.

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 Christian families may lovingly welcome every child who comes into existence and surround the sick and the aged, who need care and assistance, with affection.
Elaboration

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