Thursday 27 July
Thursday of week 16 in Ordinary Time Saint Titus Brandsma First reading - Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20 “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and tell them to prepare themselves today and tomorrow. Let them wash their clothing and hold themselves in readiness for the third day, because on the third day the Lord will descend on the mountain of Sinai in the sight of all the people.’” God wants to meet His people. He wants to descend on the mountain of Sinai in sight of all the people. It’s beautiful the mind of God who want to descend on the mountain of Sinai in sight of all the people. “…in sight of all the people”. God wants to be in the sight of all the people. He does not want to avoid anyone. He wants to hold together everyone and each one. So, He descends on the mountain of Sinai in sight of all the people. “The mountain of Sinai was entirely wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire”. The Lord has descended on the mountain in the form of fire. The fire enkindles and enlightens our life because God descends to be in the sight of all the people. Let’s reflect: Am I grateful about my God who descends to be in the sight of each one?
Wednesday 26 July
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday of week 16 in Ordinary Time First reading - Ecclesiasticus 44:1,10-15 The Feast of the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne reminds us of the part of each one of us in the story of salvation. In the book of Ecclesiasticus, we read the three qualities in these people. They were generous, they stood by the covenants, and they did good works. With these they became part of the plan of God. We are called for the same. With being generous and by doing good works and by standing by the covenants. Our challenge is to be part of it. Being generous, doing good works and standing by the covenants. Let’s reflect: How much can I be the part of the plan of God by being generous and standing by the covenants by doing good works?
Tuesday 25 July
Saint James, Apostle - Feast First reading - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 “We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure”. These words of St. Paul contain the precious wisdom of what we are and what we are entrusted with. We are entrusted with the greatest treasure we can have. It’s the love of God for us. But we are so fragile. We are earthenware jars. But the believe in the love of God takes strengthen the earthenware jars. That is why St. Paul can say, “We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed;”. There is no answer to our problems but never despair. What is that? It’s absolute abandonment into the plan of God. There are no questions or doubts. Just complete surrender into His hands recognizing one’s own fragility. Let’s reflect: Am I searching for answers or am I deepening in my faith?
Monday 24 July
Monday of week 16 in Ordinary Time Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Priest First reading - Exodus 14:5-18 “Moses answered the people, ‘Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today”. In the sight of the approaching Egyptians the sons were terrified. The many miracles which the Lord has done for the liberation of Israelites from the Egyptians are not coming to their mind. The Word of God which assured their safety. The Word of God which came through Moses. They see only the danger of the advancing Egyptian army. They see only the strength of the chariots. This is where the faith fails. We see only the strength of the chariots and not the strength of God and His promise. Without faith we see the danger and risks, not the love of God. Without faith we feel in between the red sea and the Egyptian army. With faith we see ourselves guided by God. Let’s reflect: In moments of difficulties, do I see more the complications or the guidance of God?