21 Aug
Thu
20th Week in Ordinary Time
St Pius X, Pope
Ez. 34:1-11
Ps. 22:1-3a,3-4,5,6
Mt. 20:1-16
(Ps Wk IV)
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To the scattered people of Israel Ezekiel promises that God will renew them in their hearts and spirits, when he brings them back to live once again in the land of Israel. All will be His gift, return to the land, inner cleanliness, the renewal of His ancient covenant. Yes, God's name is known through His giving. Through these blessings Yahweh will be known by the nations, revealing his holiness in action.

The same theme of gathering in the waifs and strays to the banquet forms the story of the Gospel parable. Self-important people refuse an invitation from the king who has no need of their company. He wants to be known by new friends who are the lower strata of society, people who have nothing to cling to and are free to take up the offer. The one who would not wear the garment poses a problem. Why? He would not accept the invitation on the conditions of the donor. It is a graphic illustration that God is the Lord, and that we are poor ones who should gladly accept the gifts He gives us.



Lord, teach me to be grateful to You for the gifts of love You give me each day.

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 the human family may know how to respect God's design for the world and thus become ever more aware of the great gift of God which creation represents for us.
Elaboration

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