26 Jul
Tue
17th Week in Ordinary Time
Ss Joachim and Anne
Jer. 14:17-22
Ps. 79(78):8,9,11,13
Mt. 13:36-43
(Ps Wk I)
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Jeremiah weeps for the plight of his people. He wonders if they are inflicted with an incurable wound. In our modern war-torn world, we may well sympathize with Jeremiah's questioning.

In his parables Jesus teaches us the need for patience: it takes time for seeds to reach full growth; it takes time for yeast to make the dough rise and become bread. When our patience is tried beyond what we may feel is a reasonable limit, we may, like Jeremiah, be driven to tears. But there, too, we have a word of encouragement from Jesus: "Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be consoled" (Mt 5:5).The promise of God's consolation in times of personal suffering, even from apparently incurable wounds is a great grace. Moreover, some scholars suggest that in the context of the world in which he lived, Jesus more likely meant mourning not in any personal affliction but in the way in which Jeremiah mourned for Israel. Our present world provides us with much to mourn about. If mourning for the suffering of the world can led to consolation, then it is a powerful form of prayer for salvation.



Lord, in this suffering world, grant us the wisdom and the courage to turn to You alone in fidelity and trust as we mourn over so many humanly incurable wounds.


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 indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect.
Elaboration

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