12 Jul
Fri
14th Week in Ordinary Time
St. Benedict, Abbot
Gen.46:1-7, 28-30
Ps.37(36):3-4,18-19, 27-28,39-40
Mt.10:16-23
(Ps Wk II)
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In the Gospel reading, Jesus' instruction to the Twelve is applicable to us, his followers who are called to share in the mission of the Church. This involves the fate similar to that of Jesus. The trials expected include physical assault (10:17), betrayal (10:17,19, 21), hatred (10:22) and persecution (10:23). Jesus' disciples are urged to persevere till the end. As followers of Christ, we are expected to be seekers who absorb and imbibe Jesus' values and learn from Him how to live with a counter-value system against the prevailing dominant culture. The self-centredness in people we experience today as reflected in the growing individualism, materialism, marginalization, ask us to counter such with Jesus' message of liberation. This is the way of witnessing to the gospel of liberation. If we do not translate the gospel message, the Good News into relevant actions, we do not become witnesses of Christ.

To do this, we have to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The response to the Holy Spirit is never a blind decision, rather a conscious choice based on gospel values. Today we are challenged to reflect on the following questions:

1. How do we as individuals and a group consider ourselves as true followers of Christ?

2. Do we evaluate/review regularly our lives as Christians in order to assess our responses to the daily challenges we face?



Lord, help us to translate the gospel message of Your love into relevant actions today.

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 World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.
Elaboration

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