21 Jul
Tue
16th Week in Ordinary Time
St Lawrence of Brindisi, priest & doctor
Ex. 14:21-15:1
(R. Ps.) Ex. 15:8-9,10,12,17
Mt. 12:46-50
(Ps Wk IV)
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The Lord teaches us repeatedly that doing the Will of God transcends the demands of every human bond or authority, even that of the family. Jesus tells us that as we follow Him the more closely in our vocation we find that our bonds to Him are indeed stronger that those to our natural family. St. Thomas explains that everyone "who does the Will of the Father becomes like a brother to Christ He who not only obeys Christ but works to bring others to Christ, He begets Christ in them, becomes like unto the Mother of Christ" (St. Thomas Commentary on St. Mathews 12). The bonds of blood are certainly strong, but stronger still are the bonds originated in a deep love for Christ. There is no human relationship, no matter how close it might be, that is stronger than our union with Jesus and with those who follow Him.



Lord Jesus, help me to detach myself from my selfishness so that I may live fully my love for You and my fellow men and women.

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 Christians of the Middle East may live their faith in full freedom and be an instrument of peace and reconciliation.
Elaboration

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