Thursday | August 18, 2022
Matthew 22:1-14:
Jesus uses a wedding banquet to illustrate the coming of the kingdom. As it says in the Gospel, “many are invited” but are not necessarily chosen to attend. Humble acceptance of the invitation is to be followed by preparation for being before God.
I know I am not worthy. I pray to spend each day understanding how to prepare myself and doing so in anticipation of that great day.
Wednesday | August 17, 2022
Matthew 20:1-16:
Chapter 19 of Matthew’s Gospel ends with the saying about the “first and the last” and Chapter 20 begins with the same. The parable illustrates why this saying is important. Jesus is teaching about God’s justice and generosity to the Jewish and gentile people alike so that all will accept and live following God’s will.
Today we pray for all who are employers to be fair and just in their dealing with those who work for and with them.
Tuesday | August 16, 2022
Matthew 19:23-30:
Jesus takes this opportunity, following the exchange with the rich young man, to teach his disciples about the potential for wealth being an obstacle. The kingdom is not bought or earned. It is God’s gift freely given. Peter, the spokesperson for the disciples, seems to be asking for reassurance and Jesus responds that their rewards will be great in heaven.
I find myself wanting so many human and material things in my life forgetting that all I need is you.
Monday | August 15, 2022
Luke 1:39-56:
By the will of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, two children have been conceived and their mothers, filled with that same Spirit, joyfully accept God’s gift. Each in her own way acknowledges the invitation to participate in God’s holy work.
On this day, we are reminded that you reign in heaven and watch over each one of us. Pray for us Holy Mother.
Sunday | August 14, 2022
Luke 12:49-53:
Jesus is talking to his disciples about the final judgment. It has begun as he is setting a fire within the hearts of all people. Some are for him. Though this causes dissension within their families, they merit eternal life. Those against him will be judged harshly.
Let us pray for all who stand against you. May they come to see that they are wrong and come to believe in you.
Saturday | August 13, 2022
Matthew 19:13-15:
Parent(s), we assume bring their children to Jesus. It is because children are considered the least important in the society of the day that the disciples rebuke them. At the same time, it is exactly because of their status that Jesus welcomes them. Their innocence, humility and trusting nature is what makes them open to God’s love.
Our hearts are hardened by the world. Our trust has turned to distrust. We pray that your love renews the child within us.
Friday | August 12, 2022
Matthew 19:3-12:
The Pharisees attempt to trick Jesus with their question about marriage and divorce. Jesus, speaking as authoritative interpreter of the law, cites passages from Genesis, which lay out God’s original intention for marriage.
We pray for those who prepare couples for marriage. May they be knowledgeable, wise, and compassionate, leading the couples to a mature understanding of the covenant.
Thursday | August 11, 2022
Matthew 18:21—19:1:
When asked by Peter, Jesus makes it quite clear that there can be no limit put on forgiveness. To forgive another comes from the heart. It is God’s will that we forgive others as God forgives us. The parable illustrates this. The merciless servant failed to learn this as evidenced by his treatment of his fellow servant.
We live in a world where holding grudges and getting even are the norm. We pray that our hearts guide us to be merciful as God is merciful. St. Clare, pray for us.
Wednesday | August 10, 2022
John 12:24-26:
Jesus talks to his disciples about self-sacrifice, his own and theirs using the metaphor of the grain of wheat dying to bear fruit. He enjoins them to himself and tells them, if they are to follow him, they must let go of whatever it is that binds them to the world.
I can be a very selfish person, often hard pressed to share my time. Every day, I wake up with a plan and a list. Help me to set it aside willingly and joyfully and accept your plan for me. St. Lawrence and all who have died for the faith, pray for us.
Tuesday | August 9, 2022
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14:
The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in God’s kingdom. Jesus responds by pointing to a child. Those who are great in the eyes of God are humble and trusting like a little child. As illustrated in the parable, they also put care and concern for the lost and those who have strayed above all else.
It is your will, Lord God, that I put on these attributes of discipleship. Be with me for I cannot do it without you.
