28 Jul
Thu
17th Week in Ordinary Time
Jer. 18:1-6
Ps. 146(145):1-2,3-4,5-6ab
Mt. 13:47-53
(Ps Wk I)
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Behind Jeremiah's imagery of the potter and his clay is probably the idea in Genesis that God made Adam from clay. Unlike the potter breaking the pot that turns out badly, God did not repent of creating Adam to destroy him or break him in pieces. God chose another way to heal human brokenness and bring us back to a harmonious relationship with God and with all things.

Apart from the historical circumstance and meaning of the parable for Jeremiah and those with him, it also hints at the question which often rises spontaneously in our hearts whenever we face disasters: "Why does God do such things?" Just as Jeremiah has no idea what was in the potter's mind but could only guess at his dissatisfaction with his work, so too, we cannot know the mind of God. In our case, human and Christian experience, especially the early Church's experience and understanding of Jesus' Passion, Death and Resurrection teaches us that, for those who love him God can and does bring much great good out of natural and personal disasters (cf. Romans 8:28).



Lord, You have shown us mercy by not destroying our human race, though we fail to be what You have created us to be. Turn us all back from evil ways and grant us the grace to amend our conduct and actions.


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 indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect.
Elaboration

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