19 Aug
Sun
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Jer. 38:4-6,8-10
Ps. 39:2,3,4,18
Heb. 12:1-4
Lk. 12:49-53
(Ps Wk IV)
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Following Jesus will lead us to discover the wealth of His Kingdom and His hope. However, we cannot forget the demands of a committed decision. We have to feel the "fire" of the love of Christ.

The "fire" of Jesus on the earth was the path of love which He made during the time He was on earth: it was His commitment up to Calvary and His hope of a new reality through Easter. Now, whoever wants to know and feel the strength of that "fire" has to turn to the Cross where we will see the strength of God's love for us, humans. Only over the fire of the cross does the seed of Easter flourish bringing, a new and better reality.

Only by reflecting on these affirmations will we understand the meaning of the "peace" which Christ introduced into our world. The work of Jesus brings us messianic peace (unity of the dispersed, fullness of justice, true peace). But this peace will be meaningful and valid only as far as there is authentic catharsis, that overcomes all apparent conformism and destructive judgments, and false justice. Jesus came to separate all the bonds based on blood and selfishness. Only those who have understood how hard this standard is will be able to build a true relationship with Jesus and build also the new community or family of Jesus, truly rooted in love for others and His Kingdom.



Lord enkindle the fire of Your love in my heart so that I may work and bring Your peace to my world.

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 all those who are going through moments of inner difficulty and trial may find in Christ the light and support which leads them to discover authentic happiness.
Elaboration

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