20 Aug
Thu
20th Week in Ordinary Time
St Bernard, Abbot & doctor
Jdg. 11:29-39
Ps. 39 (40): 5,7-9,10
Mt. 22:1-14
(Ps Wk IV)
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The Gospel parable speaks of the sad situation where Jesus' own people did not accept His invitation to enter His Kingdom. They failed to see that the Way of Jesus was something very different and very special. It was a Way not built on the observance of laws but on the love and service of brothers and sisters and loving and serving God in them and through them. In the story they make all kinds of excuses not to go to the wedding banquet. Not only that, they maltreat and even kill the king's servants sent out to invite them. The result is that the murderers are destroyed and their town burnt down - a clear reference to the later destruction of Jerusalem. In the meantime, the same invitation is now extended to all kinds of people, people who formerly had been regarded as outcasts. But accepting the invitation was not without conditions. One had to come to the wedding feast properly dressed. Though absolutely anyone is eligible to be called, there has to be a response of unconditionally accepting and living the Way of Jesus, symbolised by the 'wedding garment'. I have been called through my baptism but what kind of life am I living? Am I a Christian in name only? A baptised Christian who does not follow the Way of Jesus?



Many are called but few are chosen.

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 public opinion may be more aware of the problem of millions of displaced persons and refugees and that concrete solutions may be found for their often tragic situation.
Elaboration

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