23 Jul
Thu
16th Week in Ordinary Time
Jer. 2:1-3,7-8,12-13
Ps. 35:6-7,8-9,10-11
Mt. 13:10-17
(Ps Wk IV)
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The passage from the first reading describes the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel to God. Using the language of imagery, Jeremiah states that the crimes of the Israelites against God are two-fold.

Firstly, they abandoned God, who is the source of living water. Secondly, they have chosen pagan gods who are described as "broken cisterns that hold no water" and, as such, cannot be depended upon.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that the gift of understanding is given to them but not to others. Since the others fail to see and hear Jesus' plain teaching about the kingdom, he is forced to use the mysterious speech of the parables.

The spiritual disposition of the disciples makes them capable of seeing and understanding the parables, while others remain incapable of doing so. Because of this, most people are not capable of allowing the seed, God's word, of bearing fruit in their lives.

Often, God speaks to us in a variety of ways, even in mysterious ways. However, because we may be so busy or spiritually indisposed, we fail to listen to his voice. We may, therefore, remain incapable of seeing and understanding his message to us. And when we cease to listen to God's voice, we may turn our hearts away from him towards those things that cannot be depended upon. As a result, God's word does not bear fruit in our lives.


Lord, help me listen to You today.



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 today's families may be accompanined with love, respect and guidance.
Elaboration

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