Sunday | August 28, 2022
Luke 14:1, 7-14:
Sirach (3:18) introduces us to the importance of the virtue by saying that everything should be done with humility especially by those whose status is greater. In the Gospel at a dinner, Jesus tells a parable for the guests about the importance of humility and then advises the hosts about their attitudes and conduct. “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are.”.
My words and actions intended to call attention to myself, distract others from those genuinely in need. Help me focus more on others and less on myself.
Saturday | August 27, 2022
Matthew 25:14-30:
Today’s Gospel continues the end time’s theme with the parable about the final judgment. God gifts his people in many ways. Those who are “good and faithful servants” are those who use their gifts for the purpose of building the Kingdom. Those who out of fear hide their gifts are punished for their lack of resourcefulness and inactivity. Vigilance demands fruitful activity.
St. Monica, your faithful persistence is gift to all but especially to parents whose children have gone off course. Pray for us.
Friday | August 26, 2022
Matthew 25:1-13:
Again, the lesson in the Gospel concerns watchfulness and vigilance, not occasional but constant. There are those who understand and act on the need for readiness. They are wise. No one knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return. Better to be wise than foolish.
I pray to keep ready for your coming, not in isolation, but with others living fully in the here and now.
Thursday | August 25, 2022
Matthew 24:42-51:
No one knows the day and hour of the coming. Jesus likens it to the master of the household and the thief and to further illustrate the point, he tells the story of the two servants, one constantly on the watch for the master’s return, the other who takes advantage of his master’s absence. The one who is prudent and faithful will be rewarded while the one who lacks vigilance will be punished.
I keep my eye on the signs of the times and it is unsettling. Holy Spirit, I ask you to be with me, to quiet my fear, to reassure me, and to fortify me.
Wednesday | August 24, 2022
John 1:45-51:
Scholars believe that Nathaniel and Bartholomew are one in the same. Nathaniel seems skeptical about Philip’s testimony that Jesus is the one who has been written about in Scripture. He follows him nonetheless and in meeting Jesus for the first time, discovers that Jesus already knows him.
I praise and thank you, Jesus. By your grace, I have moved from simple awareness of you to a relationship that grows and develops in ways I never imagined.
Tuesday | August 23, 2022
Matthew 23:23-26:
Jesus continues pronouncing woes on the scribes and Pharisees. Their obsessive focus on taxation overshadows the heart of God’s law. Jesus then contrasts their outward actions with the self-serving reality that they hold in their hearts.
May the thoughts of my heart lead me to act justly, mercifully and faithfully.
Monday | August 22, 2022
Matthew 23:13-22:
Jesus describes the sad state of the scribes and Pharisees and warns them about the consequences of their actions. All that they do and say is self-serving. They make God’s law burdensome and stand in the way of the people’s salvation.
Dearest Mother, Queen of Heaven, pray for us, the Church, that we may lead and guide all people to your Son.
Sunday | August 21, 2022
Luke 13:22-30:
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus continues to teach the people. A question is posed to him about salvation. Jesus’ response is challenging. To journey with him is difficult and requires heartfelt commitment. One must not presume they are on the way nor despair that they are not, just keep following.
You are the way to the Father and the way to eternal salvation. Help me to keep moving forward with you.
Saturday | August 20, 2022
Matthew 23:1-12:
The parables and controversies concerning the hypocrisy of Jesus’ opponents reach a climax in the Gospel. Jesus names in detail their problematic behavior and instructs the crowds not to follow the example of the Jewish leaders. All their efforts are a means to serve themselves.
We pray for the leaders of our Church. May they truly understand what it is to follow your example by leading with the heart of a servant.
Friday | August 19, 2022
Matthew 22:34-40:
It was not uncommon for Jewish teachers to be asked to summarize the law. A Pharisee who is a lawyer, asks Jesus to do just that. Jesus’ summary draws on Scripture, from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, commands to love God and neighbor. These together are the greatest, Jesus says and are the heart of God’s law.
I know human law is flawed. I pray to understand and live by your low, O God.
