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There is a very big difference in people's reactions to Jesus in today's Gospel and in the Gospel of two days ago (Lk 4:16-30). Jesus was rejected by the people of his home town because he was not willing to treat them as priviliged cases, worthy of God's special care, in contrast to the inhabitants of neighbouring towns and villages. The people of Capernaum however, were so overwhelmed by God's goodness to them that they begged Jesus to stay on with them. Kindly but firmly, he declined, telling them that he could not give them all his time and energy because many other people wanted to see him and have him with them.
The reaction of the people of Capernaum show us that wonderful things can happen within us when we finally realise that the good things we have in life are gifts from God. We cannot demand them or regard them as rewards for our own unaided efforts. What a difference in our lives when we become grateful people. It clears the air and makes it unlikely that Christian groups will be split by the suspicions, jealousies and struggles for advantages described in today's first reading.
Dear Jesus, help me to rejoice when something good is done in your name irrespective of who does it. Amen.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work actively towards authentic social progress.
Elaboration
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