28 Sep
Fri
25th Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of St. Lawrence Ruiz & Comps.
Hag. 1:15b-2:9
Ps. 42:1,2,3,4
Lk. 9:18-22
(Ps Wk I)
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The Prophet Haggai foretold that the glory of the second temple would be greater than that of Solomon's. Although poor and unimposing by comparison, it would be honoured by the presence of the Messiah. At the time of Jesus, this temple was being restored on a grand scale by King Herod to win the favour of the Jews.

The Gospel passage tells us that when the Messiah did come, few recognized Him. Stranger still, when Peter in the name of all the apostles declared Jesus to be the Christ, "He gave them strict orders not to say this to anyone" (Lk. 9:21). To proclaim Jesus openly as the Messiah would have been a political issue for most of the people and for the Romans. Bloody riots had been caused by false messiahs at this time.

However, the greatest obstacle to the preaching of Jesus did not come from the false expectations of the people for a "conquering Messiah" but from "the elders and chief priests and scribes" who rejected Jesus and plotted His death. They say in "the carpenter of Nazareth" a threat to their power and influence and wealth. Throughout the centuries and in many countries, we find sad and tragic examples of religion being abused by religious leaders for personal gain.



Merciful Jesus, deliver us from ministers of religion who destroy religion by their pride and avarice.

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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