Wednesday 23 August
Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin First reading - Judges 9:6-15 The plan of God is to produce fruits according to the talents given to us. Our vocation is to be for others. The answers of the olive tree, fig tree and vine show exactly that they are supposed to serve others, and nothing can let them forego that. They could answer that because they are well aware of what they can produce and what are the qualities of their fruits. Recognizing one’s own talents and the utility of these talents for others is necessary to understand our vocation. The talents in us are gifts of God. Knowing the gifts of God will help us to know the plan of God for us. Knowing how the gifts of God can help others will help us more to know our vocation. Let’s reflect: Do I recognize my talents and its utility for the service of others to know the plan of God for me?
Tuesday 22 August
Our Lady, Mother and Queen Tuesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time First reading - Isaiah 9:1-7 “For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders;”. This child is Jesus Christ and is born from Mother Mary. He is the great light which the people that walked in darkness and those you live in a land of deep shadow have seen. He is the one who made the gladness of the people greater. He establishes the throne of David secure in justice and integrity. The prophet Isaiah is also telling how is going to happen. “From this time onwards and forever, the jealous love of the Lord of Hosts will do this”. It’s the love of the Lord that does all these. This jealous love of God is well received and experienced by Mother Mary in its fullness. So, each time we stand close to Mother Mary, it is to understand how rich is the love of God incarnated in her and to participate in that love by being docile to that love of God as she was. Let’s reflect: Is my devotion to Mother Mary, motivated to participate in the love of God in which she is immersed?
Monday 21 August
Saint Pius X, Pope Monday of week 20 in Ordinary Time First reading - Judges 2:11-19 In this reading we see the human nature. Again and again man goes away from God after when God had rescued them. When there are troubles in life, people turn to God. God rescues them. Once the troubles are over, we walk in our own ways and forget the way of the Lord. When we forget the Lord and walk in our owns, we welcome again troubles into our life. In the midst of troubles, we call again God for help. He patiently saves us from our troubles and allows us to keep our freedom. With our freedom we try again to walk in our own ways. We must break this circle by trying to walk in the ways of the Lord even when we are not in troubles. Let’s reflect: Am I falling into cycles of being close and being far from God?