21 Jul
Sat
15th Week in Ordinary Time
St Laurence of Brindisi, priest & doctor
Ex. 12:37-42
Ps. 136:1, 10-15, 23-24
Mt. 12:14-21
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Think of the fantastic events of 1989, when in a matter of days or weeks, more than 40 years of bondage ended for many of the communist nations of Eastern Europe. It came suddenly, when it was least expected. The people had to reach out and grasp the offered gift of freedom immediately and without hesitation. The Israelites left Egypt after 430 years, and their departure was so swift, they took unleavened dough with them. When God touches our lives in a dramatic or unexpected way, we too must claim the gift with courage, determination, and gratitude. If we are paralyzed by fear, the opportunity God gives us may pass us by. Jesus refuses to be drawn into contention and controversy. As God's anointed servant, He accomplishes His mission of healing, enlightenment, liberation, and encouragement quietly but effectively. We sometimes want to do grand things for God, which is fine. The best things, however, are the quiet, unseen things we do each day for others. God's spirit also rests on us, and we continue the mission of Jesus. Every person we meet is an opportunity to fulfill that mission, gently and quietly. We will fulfill the hopes of many.



Lord, may I recognize and act on the opportunities You give me this day.

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 the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That the Gospel, may be read and lived in Christian families by parents and children, so that they may bear witness to the hope of Christ

Abraham and Mary received a wonderful promise from God. For both Abraham and Mary, the divine promise came as something completely unexpected. God disrupted the daily course of their lives, overturning its settled rhythms and conventional expectations. The promise seemed impossible. We must learn to walk in darkness.

Modelling ourselves on Mary, we ask her to help us look at and to listen to, to ponder and to penetrate the deep and mysterious meaning of the very simple, very humble and very beautiful appearing of the Son of God. We pray for a great renewal of faith in all the children of the Church everywhere to preach the good news to the poor. We ask her to teach us the way of humble and joyful obedience to the Gospel in the service of our brothers and sisters, without preferences and without prejudices. A deep renewal that is not just reflected in a general attitude to life, but as a conscious and courageous profession of the Creed. We ask the Holy Family to inspire all Christians to defend the family against so many present-day threats to its nature, its stability and its mission. We pray the efforts of Christians and of all people of good will to defend life and to promote respect for the dignity of every human being.




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