15 Jul
Tue
St Bonaventure, bishop & doctor
Ex. 2:1-15
Ps. 69:2,13,29-30,32-33
Mt. 11:20-24
(Ps Wk III)
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Both Jesus and Moses were well aware of their Israelite origins. In contrast to the soft life which the biblical writer imputes to Moses at Pharoah's court, his people are being subjected to hard labour and maltreatment, and Moses' indignation at this leads him into an action which drives him from Pharoah's presence. Yet this is no accident, for - as tomorrow's reading shows - he is brought by his exile to the mountain where God will reveal Himself and later make covenant with His people.

The mission of Jesus was directed to His own people first and foremost, as the gospels are careful to show. Yet He warns them that their response will show them to be less than the pagans whom they despise. Matthew was primarily writing his gospel for Jewish Christians to whom it caused great pain that pagans responded to the Good News in greater numbers than their own people. This passage demonstrates that Jesus Himself shared their amazement and sorrow at the lack of response by Israel.



Lord, increase my faith in You.

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 governments and those responsible for the economy and finance of the world, may make an effort to guarantee all peoples the necessary means to live in a dignified way.
Elaboration

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