4 Jul
Sat
13th Week in Ordinary Time
Gen. 27:1-5,15-29
Ps. 134(135):1-2,3-4,5-6
Mt. 9:14-17
(Ps Wk I)
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Today, there are people who claim or insist that their religious beliefs or practices are the only and right way. Often, these people they see themselves as ‘pious' and ‘righteous' and consider those who do not meet their ‘religious' standards as "irreligious". In order to safeguard their faith or religious practices, they are willing to discriminate, belittle or harm others. They have no qualms about even killing innocent human beings to this end.

In today's Gospel, we read that the disciples of John were unhappy with Jesus' disciples because the latter were seen as not giving importance to the practise of fasting. Like the Pharisees, John's followers considered the disciples of Jesus as being "irreligious" for failing to meet their ‘religious' standards. In actuality, they were unhappy with Jesus for not correcting his disciples. In response, Jesus reminds them that when the bridegroom is around, there is no need to mourn.

Today, Jesus gives us the same reminder. Jesus, the Emmanuel, is with us. That is why even when there is deceit, discrimination and injustice happening all around us, or when people tell us we are not meeting their "religious' standards, there is no need to despair or mourn. The bridegroom is at our side. During his earthly life, no human force could prevent Jesus from accomplishing his Father's plan of salvation. Now, seated at the Father's right hand, nothing or no one can prevent him from fulfilling it. That is why, with the psalmist, we can confidently say:



"For I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods..."




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 political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.
Elaboration

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