14 Aug
Wed
19th Week in Ordinary Time
St Maximilian Kolbe, priest & martyr
Ez. 9:1-7
10:18-22
Ps. 113:1-2,3-4,5-6
Mt. 18:15-20 (Psalter week III)
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"Where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them." In order to understand this difficult passage from Ezekiel, it is worth going back to chapter 8, where the prophet was shown the abominable idolatry going on in the holy temple of Jerusalem. In today's reading, he sees the wrath of God unleashed against those who have defiled his dwelling-place. The temple will no longer be the chosen place where the glory of Yahweh rests.

The passage from Matthew is not easy either. It dates from a time when there was already a structured "church" (i.e. a Christian assembly) before which a wrong-doer could be brought. Behind the church discipline laid down here lies the teaching of Jesus that we should make every effort to live in right relationship with other Christians.



Lord, help us to be conscious of Your presence always in our midst.

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 respect for the environment, God's gift to all men and women, may increase both on a personal level and on that of world public opinion.
Elaboration

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