30 Jul
Wed
17th Week Of Ordinary Time
St Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor
Jer 15:10,16-21
Ps 59(58):2-3,4-5,10-11,17-18
Mt 13:44-46
(Ps Wk I)
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The scripture readings at Mass today are like a study in opposites. For Jeremiah, his mission was always a burden and danger: everyone seemed to be against him, although the Lord comforted him and repeatedly told him not to be afraid. Jeremiah even tried running away, but despite himself he felt he had to speak out God's word, and remained a faithful prophet. On the other hand, Jesus portrays the Kingdom of heaven as a treasure, a joy, something that's worth giving all of life for.

We all have our ups and downs from time to time, feelings of being alone, left out, ignored, depressed, when things don't seem to be going right for us. Even holy people like the late Mother Teresa of Kolkata have experiences of an 'absence' of God, an emptiness. Yet we also have felt times of great joy, peace and energy when the wonder of God's world and the goodness of people have lifted our spirits, our hopes and our delight in God's kingdom.

Whatever our ups and downs, we should learn to keep them in balance, always trusting in God's love and care more than in anything we can achieve by ourselves.




Lord, help us to be attentive to the ways in which Your spirit moves us, rather than merely to our own moods and longings. Let joyfulness radiate all around us and bring a smile to people's faces.


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 sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth.
Elaboration

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