21 Aug
Sat
20th Week in Ordinary Time
St Pius X, Pope
Ez. 43:1-7
Ps. 84(85): 9-10,11-12,13-14
Mt. 23:1-12
(Ps Wk IV)
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Some years ago I attended a prayer meeting when Mother Teresa visited Hong Kong. What impressed me most was that a cross was laid on the floor and we had to kneel and bend down to kiss the figure of Jesus. I felt that I was a lowly and unworthy creature before Jesus. Perhaps this feeling was similar to that experienced by Ezekiel when he fell down before God as the glory of the Lord entered the Temple.

Today's Gospel passage teaches us to be humble. Humility is not a pretence expressed in words, but a realization in the heart that one really is unworthy and lowly before God. God is infinitely good, beautiful, powerful. We are just the opposite. When we contemplate Jesus appearing before us in Holy Communion, what better posture could we assume than to fall down before Him and bury our face in the dust?



Lord Jesus, grant us the virtue of humility. Teach us to be humble and lowly before God. Teach us also to be humble and lowly before our brothers and sisters, that we may always be ready to wash their feet as Jesus did.

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 those who are unemployed, homeless, or in any serious need may find welcome, understanding, and help in overcoming their difficulties.
Elaboration

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