9 Aug
Sat
18th Week in Ordinary Time
Deut. 6:4-13
Ps. 18:1-3,46,50
Mt. 17:14-20
(Ps Wk II)
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As Moses promulgates the Ten Commandments, it is spiritually very profitable for us to pay attention to his opening words: "Listen, Israel". Listening is part of our relationship with God. Since Vatican II, each time we go to Mass, we listen to the Word of God in our own languages, instead of Latin as formerly. Let us reflect whether we really appreciate this grace of being able to listen to the Word of God. At the same time, we may reflect on the quality of our listening. Do we listen with our hearts, with faith, hope and love?

When we listen to God's Word with faith, it inspires us with a desire for a fuller life, since we do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from God. We should also listen to God's Word with love, for God is love and therefore God's words are words of love, words springing from love and calling to love. Faith teaches us that the word of God is new each time we listen to it. Therefore we listen with hope, knowing that the word of God will bring light in any darkness, hope in any difficulty.



Lord, grant that at Mass we may listen to Your word with an open mind and heart, and in a great spirit of faith, hope and love.

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 researchers in scientific and technological fields, may welcome the church's incessant calls to make wise and responsible use of the successes they have attained.
Elaboration

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