18 Jul
Mon
16th Week in Ordinary Time
Ex. 14:5-18
(R. Ps.) Ex. 15:1-2,3-4,5-6
Mt. 12:38-42
(Ps Wk IV)
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"Greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon": on the lips of any ordinary human being, these words would be mere boasting, perhaps true, perhaps false. On the lips of Jesus they are, for those who believe, a reminder of God's humility in becoming a human being. God is incomparable and so could not be compared with mere human beings like Solomon. But God chose to become a human being in Jesus and so Jesus enters into a human world with its demands - "show us a sign" - and its struggle to make sense of what is more than ordinary. Jesus severely criticizes the scribes and Pharisees who ask for a sign. Yet Jesus Himself appeared amongst the Israelites in a way that raised many questions for those who encountered him: "What kind of man is this?" These questions were frequently raised by his miracles, but just as frequently raised by his teaching. For those who were open to Jesus, his miracles and his teaching were signs enough to lead them to the threshold of faith. The scribes and Pharisees demanded proof, whereas God's truth calls for acceptance.



Lord Jesus, enlighten our hearts to read the Scriptures with deeper faith, so that we may discover in Your miracles and Your teaching the deepest consolation of Your truth.

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 Christians be sensitive to the needs of everyone, without ever hiding the radical requirements of the Gospel message.
Elaboration

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