23 Jun
Tue
12th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 13:2,5-18
Ps. 14(15):2-4,5
Mt. 7:6,12-14
(Ps Wk IV)
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Three separate teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Briefly, we are being told that, while we are called actively to share and give witness to our Christian faith before others, we do not invite them in such a way that they would just make fun of it. So, while we give witness to the values of the Gospel, we do not just baptise or give Communion to anyone who asks. To be a full member there are certain standards expected.

"Do to others as you would want them to do to you." The famous Golden Rule, found in many cultures. Notice that it does not say: "Do to others as they do to you." Rather it is to be linked to the words of Jesus the other way about not returning violence with violence.

The Way of the Gospel is a guaranteed road to fulfilment, peace and happiness but it is challenging. The wide road where one does anything one likes is very attractive and would seem to be a recipe for fulfilment but experience shows that it can lead only to disillusionment and deep unhappiness.



Lord, You are the gate of my life.

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 International attention towards the poorer countries may give rise to more concrete help, in particular to relieve them of the crushing burden of foreign debt.
Elaboration

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