31 Jul
Fri
17th Week in Ordinary Time
St Ignatius of Loyola
Lev. 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37
Ps. 81(80):3-4,5-6ab,10-11ab
Mt. 13:54-58
(Ps Wk I)
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We all have a fundamental need to belong to a group. Experience of rejection can cause emotional pain and even affect our behaviour. Disconnection leads to more pain, so that people are eager to change their behaviour and remain in the group with which they feel affinity. Jesus experienced this with his own family, home town, religious leaders and, at the end, even with his disciples. However, he invested his energy more in the relationship with his Father than in human relationships. The love for God was so real in his life that he could with serenity face all challenges. Rejection by those whom he loved affected Jesus but still he was able to offer his life as a gift to many who wanted to receive him.

St. Ignatius of Loyola would often ask God, for the grace to live as Jesus lived, and to love as Jesus loved. This heroic love, which is meek and humble, even rejoices when insulted and humiliated. Human nature often resists vulnerability but grace flourishes in our vulnerability.




Lord Jesus, you called us to know you more intimately, to love you intensely and to follow You more closely. You embraced vulnerability in becoming a poor human being. Give us the courage to love others without creating barriers in relationships.




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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