15th Week, Monday, July 11
Isaiah 1:10-17 / Matthew 10:34-11:1
Isaiah calls for reform: “Stop all this evil.”
In the early days of history, when punishments were still
cruel and unusual, a man was caught stealing sheep. The authorities branded the
initials S. T. (sheep thief) on his forehead. As the years passed, the man
reformed his life, making up for his past.
He succeeded to an eminent degree. When he was a very old
man, the letters S. T. could still be seen on his wrinkled forehead. When
children asked what they stood for, their parents would reply, “Saint.” That
man’s life is a model for all lives.
It makes us realize that we, too, can reverse our lives
completely, if we try. All we need do is ask for God’s help.
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How dedicated are we to improving our lives over what they
were a year ago? A month ago? “As far as the east is from the west, so far does
he remove our sins from us.” Psalm 103:12
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There is one word in today's gospel that is repeated quite a
few times. If we have been observant enough, we will be able to notice that it
is the word "anyone". Jesus is certainly making a point here. The
Kingdom of God is certainly open to anyone who wishes to receive it. And anyone
who puts Jesus before anything else in life will certainly be part of this
Kingdom of God. But the decision for Jesus must be so clear that it is like a
sword that cuts and divides.
Because the choice for Jesus and the Kingdom of God is not
for one who sits on the fence but rather a clear-cut decision for Jesus and to
live according to His ways.
Let us pray for a renewed strength and faith to always
decide to follow Jesus and to build the Kingdom of God.
***** Monday of 15th Week in Ordinary Time
LEAVE FATHER AND
MOTHER
Introduction One
of the themes strong and dear with Isaiah is that outward cultic practices of
religion are of no value to the individual or the community unless their
everyday life conforms to the commandments of God, which are the people’s
response of God. Christ could bring us life and grace because he suffered for
us. He could rise because he was crucified and died on a cross. No easy life is
promised to his disciples. Suffering, the cross is their share too. In God’s
plan, this is the way to life. It’s not too comfortable, but these are God’s
terms.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God, we have accepted your invitation to follow
your Son Jesus as his disciples. Let your Spirit give us the wisdom and
strength to take our faith seriously and to accept our task in life with all
its consequences. Let your Spirit help us to follow your Son without fear or
discouragement, for we are certain that Jesus will lead us to you, our loving
God, for ever and ever. Commentary
For some people, religion is largely identified with ritual,
the proper way to worship. Every aspect of worship must be executed with
correctness. It is true that a proper way of worship is as important as many
other aspects of life, but it is by no means the heart of our belief. The
prophets repeatedly inveigh against ritualism, as Isaiah does today. Yahweh
makes it eminently clear that his concern is not with animal offerings,
calendar observance, or the worth of offerings. Of these things he stands in no
need. In all this concern with ritual observance, the important things are
forgotten. Orphans and widows are the special responsibility of the community,
since they have been left with no male provider. They are neglected by the
community. And yet this is at the heart of a true worship of God. Today’s
Gospel stresses the importance of even a cold glass of water extended to a
disciple. Such counts for more than any carefully planned sacrifice. It happens
in life that we meet people who are continually giving of themselves in the
service of others. And yet they never darken a church door. One has the
distinct feeling that they are not far from the kingdom of God. Points to Ponder
Points to Ponder Legitimate concern for ritual Religious
priorities Concern for the unfortunate
Intercessions – That those whom the Lord calls to
special ministries in the Church may follow him resolutely; that all of us may
unwaveringly commit ourselves to Jesus and to people as Jesus commits himself
to us, we pray:
– That the leaders of nations may be committed to the good
of their people, in justice and a spirit of service, we pray:
– That our prayers and worship of the Lord may commit us
more to the causes we pray for, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts Lord our God, in these gifts of
bread and wine we bring ourselves before you and you let your Son give himself
to us. May we learn from him to make ourselves free for people and for you and
to seek your will in all we do. May we follow in his trials and in his glory your
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion Lord our God, in this
Eucharist you have enlightened us with the word and wisdom of your Son and
given us his nourishing, strong bread to follow him without hesitation. Fill us
with the wisdom and power of your Spirit to go with Jesus without hesitation through
the desert of pain and the cross for the sake of bringing his life and joy to
our brothers and sisters in need and for giving glory to you, now and for ever. Blessing Be free. Be true and honest
with yourselves, be honest with God and faithful to Jesus and his message, even
if it causes conflicts with people dearest to you. May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
