Readings for Thursday December 9, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” Fear not, O worm Jacob, O maggot Israel; I will help you, says the LORD; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and double-edged, To thresh the mountains and crush them, to make the hills like chaff. When you winnow them, the wind shall carry them off and the storm shall scatter them. But you shall rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys; I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water. I will plant in the desert the cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive; I will set in the wasteland the cypress, together with the plane tree and the pine, That all may see and know, observe and understand, That the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Is 41:13-20)
Many times in this life, the world tells us that we must be great and successful. So many people strive to make themselves great, and sadly on their journey towards greatness they neglect so many other aspects of their life. The reality is that our job on this earth is not to be great, but rather to show God's greatness. I think that the Lord properly puts people in their place when using the descriptions of "worm" and "maggot" from today's first reading. Even Jesus talks about someone like John the Baptist being lower than the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. This kind of talk is not meant to lower our self esteem, but instead it is to help us realize that we are not as great as we think that we are.
Greatness come from the Lord. It is He who is the giver of life and all that we have. It is only through Him that greatness comes. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the impossible things that only God can do; such as turning desert into a marshland, or planting trees where no human could make them grow. He can do all things, and nothing is too big or too small for God to handle; "for nothing will be impossible for God." (Lk 1:37)
There is nothing wrong with achievements and success, but we must realize that greatness comes from God. Even though He may be dong great things in our life, we know that there are still more amazing things to come; because God is not through with us yet.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Help us never to take credit for your works, but rather to realize your love and mercy in allowing greatness into our lives. Lord, increase our faith so that we might trust in you so much more, and that we may have the courage to lay down our lives for you. We pray for all those who are unemployed, may they grow closer to you during this storm. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
12.09.2010
12.08.2010
Immaculate Conception
Readings for Wednesday December 8, 2010
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Eph 1:3-6, 11-12)
Brothers and Sisters, today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and Queen. In today's readings we see God's plan for Mary unfold, from the fall of our first parents Adam and Eve to the Annunciation, where Mary said her great yes to the Lord. We see that even from the beginning that God had a plan for us and that no matter what wrong our original parents did, the Lord had a plan for us to still have a way to Him. We read today from Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, that from the beginning of time, God had a plan for our salvation, and for each one of us. From this letter, we should realize that each of us has a purpose in this life, that purpose is to love the Father with all our heart and to do His will in our lives. For we can only find fulfillment and happiness when we have conformed our will to His.
In Paul's letter, we realize that each of us has a purpose, and so did our Blessed Mother. Mary was given the grace by God to be born without sin so that she could fulfill her purpose of bringing the savior of all of us into this world. Her purpose was to love Him, and care for Him, and to be His greatest disciple while on earth. Yet, even having done all those things, God still has a purpose for Mary, and to this day her purpose is to lead each one of us to her son, Jesus.
Mary was called by God to be the mother of Christ, this was His plan from the beginning. On the cross, Jesus gave her to all of us to be our mother as well.
During this season of Advent, may we all ask for the blessed mother's intercessions and to be lead even closer to her son.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be a world without end. Amen.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Eph 1:3-6, 11-12)
Brothers and Sisters, today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and Queen. In today's readings we see God's plan for Mary unfold, from the fall of our first parents Adam and Eve to the Annunciation, where Mary said her great yes to the Lord. We see that even from the beginning that God had a plan for us and that no matter what wrong our original parents did, the Lord had a plan for us to still have a way to Him. We read today from Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, that from the beginning of time, God had a plan for our salvation, and for each one of us. From this letter, we should realize that each of us has a purpose in this life, that purpose is to love the Father with all our heart and to do His will in our lives. For we can only find fulfillment and happiness when we have conformed our will to His.
In Paul's letter, we realize that each of us has a purpose, and so did our Blessed Mother. Mary was given the grace by God to be born without sin so that she could fulfill her purpose of bringing the savior of all of us into this world. Her purpose was to love Him, and care for Him, and to be His greatest disciple while on earth. Yet, even having done all those things, God still has a purpose for Mary, and to this day her purpose is to lead each one of us to her son, Jesus.
Mary was called by God to be the mother of Christ, this was His plan from the beginning. On the cross, Jesus gave her to all of us to be our mother as well.
During this season of Advent, may we all ask for the blessed mother's intercessions and to be lead even closer to her son.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be a world without end. Amen.
12.07.2010
Comfort In God
Readings for Tuesday December 7, 2010
Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” (Mt. 18:12-14)
I remember that one time when I was younger, my mom and I was at the grocery store. I began to wonder around by myself; and after a while of playing in the isles, I realized that my mom was no longer with me and was no where to be found. I immediately started searching all of the isles, but with no luck. I started becoming very afraid that I would never find her and that I would stay lost in that store. I then found my way to the service desk; alone and afraid with tears down my cheek I asked the clerk if they could page my mom to the desk. When I heard them page her to the desk, I began to be comforted, because I knew that once the announcement was made, she would be on here way. Sure enough, moments later, there was my mom coming towards the desk; with a rather angry look on her face for me having drifted off, but I didn't care how angry she was, I had been found. You had better believe that for the rest of that trip she couldn't have lost me if she had tried.
There is certainly a lot of joy when something is lost and then is found. Jesus speaks of this in today's gospel, when He tells the parable of the lost sheep. This type of joy is certainly the same type of joy that I found when I had my conversion. I was so happy to have been found by God, that He took the time to find me; it still amazes me how much He loves me and all of us. It is so awesome that no matter how low we seem to go in our life, or how far we veer; He always find us and is willing to bring us back.
The prophet Isaiah tells us of the comfort that we can find from the Lord. If we want to find true peace and comfort, then we need to put our faith and hope in Christ. For if we do, He will carry us and lead us to everlasting life. I pray that we may all turn to the Lord, and allow Him to carry us and lead us in our lives, and then we can find the comfort that we all seek.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and give you thanks for all that we have and all that we are. Help us to serve you with all our heart. Lord, we pray for a humble heart, and a faith that is unbreakable. Lord, be with all those who are striving to do your will. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” (Mt. 18:12-14)
I remember that one time when I was younger, my mom and I was at the grocery store. I began to wonder around by myself; and after a while of playing in the isles, I realized that my mom was no longer with me and was no where to be found. I immediately started searching all of the isles, but with no luck. I started becoming very afraid that I would never find her and that I would stay lost in that store. I then found my way to the service desk; alone and afraid with tears down my cheek I asked the clerk if they could page my mom to the desk. When I heard them page her to the desk, I began to be comforted, because I knew that once the announcement was made, she would be on here way. Sure enough, moments later, there was my mom coming towards the desk; with a rather angry look on her face for me having drifted off, but I didn't care how angry she was, I had been found. You had better believe that for the rest of that trip she couldn't have lost me if she had tried.
There is certainly a lot of joy when something is lost and then is found. Jesus speaks of this in today's gospel, when He tells the parable of the lost sheep. This type of joy is certainly the same type of joy that I found when I had my conversion. I was so happy to have been found by God, that He took the time to find me; it still amazes me how much He loves me and all of us. It is so awesome that no matter how low we seem to go in our life, or how far we veer; He always find us and is willing to bring us back.
The prophet Isaiah tells us of the comfort that we can find from the Lord. If we want to find true peace and comfort, then we need to put our faith and hope in Christ. For if we do, He will carry us and lead us to everlasting life. I pray that we may all turn to the Lord, and allow Him to carry us and lead us in our lives, and then we can find the comfort that we all seek.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and give you thanks for all that we have and all that we are. Help us to serve you with all our heart. Lord, we pray for a humble heart, and a faith that is unbreakable. Lord, be with all those who are striving to do your will. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
12.06.2010
Readings for Monday December 6, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-26
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”
Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.” (Mt. 5:17-26)
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-26
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”
Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.” (Mt. 5:17-26)
12.03.2010
The Lord is My Light and My Salvation
Readings for Friday December 3, 2010
Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest
First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. (Mt. 9:27-31)
In today's first reading, Isaiah speaks of the great works of the Lord, and the impossible situations that the Lord can heal and take care of. Making the deaf hear, the blind to see, and rising up the lowly ... these all seem like impossible situations, but not to God. God has the power to rise us up from these worldly lives of sin, and to save us from the world and ourselves. But this saving grace requires faith and trust. If we are willing to follow our Lord, and to trust Him with all our hearts He will begin to work wonders in our lives.
Today we see in the gospel reading the power of God. When the blind men called out to Jesus, they called Him "Son of David", a term that was very significant, and a term that was reserved for the Messiah. Although they could not see, they blind men were guided by their hearts, for they had no doubts about who Jesus really was. In some ways, you could say that as blind men they "saw" better than most. Jesus had mercy on them because of their faith in Him, and they were rewarded with the gift of physical sight. These men teach us about the healing power of Jesus, and how if we call upon Him, He will give us sight in many situations. There are many times in my life where I have problems or issues that do not have a clear answer. It is in these times that I am blind to the situation; and I have recognized that the times that I am thriving in my prayer life, Jesus makes these answers very clear. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for us to keep a good prayer life, or relationship, with our Lord. We need His guidance, and for Him to light the way on our path. If we commit to giving Him time each day to listen, then we will continue to thrive in this life, and not just survive.
Today, let us remember the words of the psalmist: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, increase our faith so that we can be better servants of you. Lord, we are nothing without you, may we always remember your saving power in our lives. We pray for all those who are suffering, and all those who are lost. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest
First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. (Mt. 9:27-31)
In today's first reading, Isaiah speaks of the great works of the Lord, and the impossible situations that the Lord can heal and take care of. Making the deaf hear, the blind to see, and rising up the lowly ... these all seem like impossible situations, but not to God. God has the power to rise us up from these worldly lives of sin, and to save us from the world and ourselves. But this saving grace requires faith and trust. If we are willing to follow our Lord, and to trust Him with all our hearts He will begin to work wonders in our lives.
Today we see in the gospel reading the power of God. When the blind men called out to Jesus, they called Him "Son of David", a term that was very significant, and a term that was reserved for the Messiah. Although they could not see, they blind men were guided by their hearts, for they had no doubts about who Jesus really was. In some ways, you could say that as blind men they "saw" better than most. Jesus had mercy on them because of their faith in Him, and they were rewarded with the gift of physical sight. These men teach us about the healing power of Jesus, and how if we call upon Him, He will give us sight in many situations. There are many times in my life where I have problems or issues that do not have a clear answer. It is in these times that I am blind to the situation; and I have recognized that the times that I am thriving in my prayer life, Jesus makes these answers very clear. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for us to keep a good prayer life, or relationship, with our Lord. We need His guidance, and for Him to light the way on our path. If we commit to giving Him time each day to listen, then we will continue to thrive in this life, and not just survive.
Today, let us remember the words of the psalmist: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, increase our faith so that we can be better servants of you. Lord, we are nothing without you, may we always remember your saving power in our lives. We pray for all those who are suffering, and all those who are lost. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
12.02.2010
Be Prepared
Readings for Thursday December 2, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118
Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Mt. 7:24-27)
I remember over ten years ago when our world was obsessed with the Y2K scare. Everyone thought that the new millennium would be a complete catastrophe, or even worse the end of our civilization. Before the new millennium began, people began preparing for the worst; they were stocking up on food, water, generators, etc. I will have to admit that even I was a little curious and anxious to see what would happen when the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve. Much to many people's surprise nothing happened, except for the start of a new year.
It is funny how as people we try to be prepared for the worst. While many people try to prepare for disastrous things, how many of us are preparing for the typical challenges and hardships of our lives? The reality is that we all struggle with something (or many things). How do we respond to adversity? How do we get through the storms of life? In today's gospel, Jesus makes it clear to us that we have two choices in life: build our life upon a weak foundation of sand, or build it upon a strong foundation of solid rock. When we build our lives upon Christ, the strong foundation, then we create a stability in our life that prepares us for the worst. When we put all of our faith and trust into God, then we are never left disappointed. This does not mean that we will not experience the "rains and floods" of life, but when we do, we can be sure that we will still be standing strong with our Lord.
Many times in life we are told to prepare for the worst, and the worst is a life without God. Let us seek to grow closer to Him, to find the healing and comfort that only He can provide to us. Remember, this life will throw many things at us, but one thing that we can be sure of is that when our lives are built upon solid rock, we can survive and stand strong against anything.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. Lord, you are so loving and merciful, please help us to share in this great love and mercy. Help us to be the disciples that we are called to be, trusting and always seeking your will. Lord, be our rock that we rely on at all times, and help us to never grow weary and veer from your path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118
Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Mt. 7:24-27)
I remember over ten years ago when our world was obsessed with the Y2K scare. Everyone thought that the new millennium would be a complete catastrophe, or even worse the end of our civilization. Before the new millennium began, people began preparing for the worst; they were stocking up on food, water, generators, etc. I will have to admit that even I was a little curious and anxious to see what would happen when the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve. Much to many people's surprise nothing happened, except for the start of a new year.
It is funny how as people we try to be prepared for the worst. While many people try to prepare for disastrous things, how many of us are preparing for the typical challenges and hardships of our lives? The reality is that we all struggle with something (or many things). How do we respond to adversity? How do we get through the storms of life? In today's gospel, Jesus makes it clear to us that we have two choices in life: build our life upon a weak foundation of sand, or build it upon a strong foundation of solid rock. When we build our lives upon Christ, the strong foundation, then we create a stability in our life that prepares us for the worst. When we put all of our faith and trust into God, then we are never left disappointed. This does not mean that we will not experience the "rains and floods" of life, but when we do, we can be sure that we will still be standing strong with our Lord.
Many times in life we are told to prepare for the worst, and the worst is a life without God. Let us seek to grow closer to Him, to find the healing and comfort that only He can provide to us. Remember, this life will throw many things at us, but one thing that we can be sure of is that when our lives are built upon solid rock, we can survive and stand strong against anything.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. Lord, you are so loving and merciful, please help us to share in this great love and mercy. Help us to be the disciples that we are called to be, trusting and always seeking your will. Lord, be our rock that we rely on at all times, and help us to never grow weary and veer from your path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
12.01.2010
The Greatness of God
Readings for Wednesday December 1, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. (Mt. 15:29-31)
Today the prophet Isaiah speaks of the greatness of God and the promise of salvation. He speaks about how God's people will one day rejoice; "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" I am sure that the people who came to Jesus in today's gospel shared this exact same thought. Imagine being given your sight back if you are blind, or being able to walk if once crippled. Not only did Christ cure many that day, but He also spoke and ministered to them and He used a few loafs of bread and some fish to feed all the people! Even still more amazing, after they had all eaten, there was such an abundance left over. These amazing acts truly speak to us about God's mercy and His greatness!
We serve a truly awesome and great God. He is greater than any person and more powerful than any force. And we should always remember that He is with us, and with Him nothing is impossible! Let us all serve the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and then one day we may be blessed enough to live in the house of the Lord all of our days!
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise you for your many blessings that you bestow upon us Lord. God, help us to become better servants for you, increase our faith, hope, and love so that we might be better servants. We pray for all those suffering in the world, and all those seeking you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. (Mt. 15:29-31)
Today the prophet Isaiah speaks of the greatness of God and the promise of salvation. He speaks about how God's people will one day rejoice; "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" I am sure that the people who came to Jesus in today's gospel shared this exact same thought. Imagine being given your sight back if you are blind, or being able to walk if once crippled. Not only did Christ cure many that day, but He also spoke and ministered to them and He used a few loafs of bread and some fish to feed all the people! Even still more amazing, after they had all eaten, there was such an abundance left over. These amazing acts truly speak to us about God's mercy and His greatness!
We serve a truly awesome and great God. He is greater than any person and more powerful than any force. And we should always remember that He is with us, and with Him nothing is impossible! Let us all serve the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and then one day we may be blessed enough to live in the house of the Lord all of our days!
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise you for your many blessings that you bestow upon us Lord. God, help us to become better servants for you, increase our faith, hope, and love so that we might be better servants. We pray for all those suffering in the world, and all those seeking you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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