7 Aug
Sat
18th Week in Ordinary Time
SS Xystus II, Pope & Comps. Martyrs
Deut. 6:4-13
Ps. 17:2-4,47-51
Mt. 17:14-20
(Ps Wk II)
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The miracle story in the Gospel confirms that the power to 'heal and exorcise' is much related to 'faith'. Jesus was disappointed with the disciples that he responded by saying, "if only you have faith like a mustard seed, miracles will happen."

Here we can look at 'little faith' in two ways. Firstly, 'faith in words only' is not real faith. Secondly, 'faith' like a mustard seed that will move mountains consists of the 'trust' in God's power and purpose. It is said, "The issue of faith is not how much we have but where we place it." We recognise that the Almighty God is the 'mountain mover'.

Our faith is built on the trust that we have experienced in very ordinary as well as the extraordinary God-revealing presence. This is evidenced in the experiences of the Israelites as in the first reading. However, we have to be conscious that God is omnipresent and all-powerful in All God's deeds among us.

Our responsibility is to ensure that this 'faith' is passed on to all the generations to come.

Do we take this responsibility seriously? How do we express this in today's context, especially in a multi-racial and multi-religious society?


"Lord, teach us to be responsible disciples with faith and hope in Your Guiding Hands."



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
Let us pray for the Church, that She may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.
Elaboration

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