Mon., August 8, 2016
St. Dominic, priest
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c; Matthew 17:22-27
“But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” – Mt 17:27
What does this gospel passage mean to you? Why do you think Jesus has Peter pay the tax for both of them?
Lord, I try so hard to always follow your ways. I know you are constantly teaching me and sending me help for the journey. Help me to always listen. Help me to always see and grasp your helping hand held out to me.
Tues., August 9, 2016
Ezekiel 2:8 – 3:4; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. – Mt 18:4-5
How might I be more like a child? Do I always have a childlike trust in God?
Lord, I understand that I must be as a little child, but sometimes that is not so easy for me to do. You wish me to have a total childlike trust in you and your providence. Help me to become more childlike in your presence.
Wed., August 10, 2016
St. Lawrence, deacon & martyr
2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26
Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. – John 12:24
Jesus knows that new life only begins when the husk is broken through and the seed is nourished. What husk is Jesus asking me to shed in order to grow?
Lord, there are so many barriers that I place between my life and your grace. Help me to shed these barriers and to nourish the spiritual life that you have granted me.
Thurs., August 11, 2016
St. Clare, virgin
Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21 – 19:1
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you? – Mt 18:33
Jesus tells us that, as Christians, we must forgive each other. Am I always ready to forgive those who hurt me?
Lord, this is a very hard teaching. It is hard for me to forgive always. Help me to be better able to forgive. Take away from me all tendencies to harbor a grudge. I promise, with your help, to continue to work at forgiveness no matter how hard it gets.
Fri., August 12, 2016
Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Matthew 19:3-12
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate. – Mt 19:6
Jesus reminds us that a man and woman who are joined together become as one flesh. What have I done to help support the sanctity of marriage?
Lord, marriage is one of the foundation stones that our world rests upon. Help me to speak out when marriage is attacked and to always defend marriage as the Church views it. Send your blessing on all married couples in my world.
Catholic Prayer Life 
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