30 Aug
Sat
21st Week in Ordinary Time
1 Cor 1:26-31
Ps. 33(32):12-13,18-21
Mt 25:14-30
(Ps Wk I)
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"The human race has nothing to boast about to God." How true that is of our present age and the world's recent history. Wars, hatreds, massacres, oppressions, injustices, hunger and poverty that we could relieve but don't ... an endless list. This is not, of course, what St Paul was talking about in his letter to the Christians of Corinth. But maybe it's a timely reminder of who we really are, we who so easily become proud of ourselves and our achievements, be they personal or the achievements of medicine, science, technology and so on. Some people even boast about not "needing" God any, more, in our "enlightened" age.

To boast at all is to presume we have some virtue or goodness or ability of our own that gives us a right to look down on others, compare them unfavourably with ourselves. But the truth is that we don't have anything of our own. This truth about me is Christian humility, a recognition of my reality.

What we call "mine" is always a gift of God. And that's especially true of my faith, of my being a Christian. It's purely God's choice that's made me so, not any virtue, talent or ability I could say is "mine".

Yet, in Christ and through Him I can be proud and boast of what God has done in me, and for me. It's not pride or boastfulness that makes comparisons or judgements, but one that is graceful, truthful, and humbly grateful.



Lord God, You are my wisdom, my power, my goodness, my holiness. To You alone be glory.


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 refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights.
Elaboration

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