Thursday | August 19, 2021
Matthew 19:13-15:
Jesus directs this parable to the chief priests and elders. The king and his son extend an invitation to the feast, which some refuse, some ignore and some respond in a hostile way. There are those who accept the invitation but attend without proper attire. God invites all people into relationship with him. Accepting involves a proper disposition and a willingness to change.
O God, create in me a heart, humble and contrite. I long to be with you forever and pray to be made worthy.
Wednesday | August 18, 2021
Matthew 20:1-16:
In this parable, Jesus presents the kingdom of God in a powerfully counter cultural way. Last first, first last; a person who works part of the day is given a full day’s wage. It is completely out of line with human justice, yet absolutely in line with God’s justice and mercy.
You are fair and just. Your generosity is astounding. I pray that I do not see myself deserving more and others deserving less.
Tuesday | August 17, 2021
Matthew 19:23-30:
Jesus tells the disciples that riches can be an obstacle to entrance to the kingdom in much the same way that it would be impossible for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. No one can buy passage into the kingdom, no matter how rich. It is God’s gift, freely given.
I know that I am weighted down by what I have and concerned about what I do not have. I want to feel free. Lift this burden from me.
Monday | August 16, 2021
Matthew 19:16-22:
The young man in the parable seems sincere about understanding the importance of observing that which is at the heart of the Ten Commandments, loving God and neighbor. When Jesus calls him to a new and more radical dimension of this he is not able to accept the challenge.
That proverbial “leap of faith” can be so hard especially. Let my trust in you and your will for me
silence my “what ifs.”
Sunday | August 15, 2021
Luke 1:39-56:
In Luke’s Gospel, there are two holy and faith-filled women; two babies; two prophets, one preparing the way for the other who is to initiate the coming of the kingdom of God. What an extraordinary encounter. Mary’s prayer of praise and thanksgiving is a beautiful expression of her fidelity, humility and love of God.
Oh how we need models of fidelity, humility and faith. May we learn from these women and become what we have learned.
Saturday | August 14, 2021
Matthew 19:13-15:
Children are the most vulnerable members in the family. They are completely dependent on others, especially their parents for all their needs. The children are brought to Jesus for his blessing, and he welcomes them. Because they are without status and without pretense, they are open to the “mysteries of the Kingdom.”
There are so many things in this world that block our view of who you are and what you call us to. Help us to be like little children. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
Friday | August 13, 2021
Matthew 19:3-12:
The Pharisees are testing Jesus by questioning him about marriage and divorce. Though Moses allowed divorce as a concession to the weakened nature of humanity, Jesus considers marriage indissoluble in accord with God’s design from the beginning.
I pray this day for those in difficult marriages and for those who have no other recourse but to end their marriage. May they find healing and wholeness.
Thursday | August 12, 2021
Matthew 18:21—19:1:
Jesus’ response to Peter’s question is that forgiveness cannot be quantified. No person has the right to limit the number of times they offer forgiveness. The parable Jesus tells brings the petition from the Lord’s Prayer to mind. To receive God’s mercy, one must be willing to extend mercy to others.
Be with me today as I search the corners of my mind and heart for the anger I hold on to toward those who have “trespassed against me.”
Wednesday| August 11, 2021
Matthew 18:15-20:
In this discourse Jesus’ teaching concerns active forgiveness on the part of the community whether one on one, before witnesses or in a discussion involving the entire community. Regardless the outcome, Jesus promises to be with the community building itself in his name.
It is difficult to know the way to lovingly confront a family member or friend who has chosen the crooked path. Though there is risk of estrangement, give me the courage to do so for their sake.
Tuesday | August 10, 2021
Matthew 18:15-20:
Jesus tells the disciples that they are called to serve in the same way he serves. They must die to themselves like the grain of wheat dies, in order to produce good fruit. They must follow Jesus no matter where it leads. By this they put God first in all things.
Persecution takes on many forms. Let us pray for all who are persecuted for their faith, spiritually, emotionally, physically. St. Lawrence, pray for us.
