July 31-August 4, 2017

Mon., July 31, 2017

St. Ignatius Loyola

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34; Matthew 13:31-35

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. – Mt 13:31

Jesus said that our faith is like a mustard seed. When it grows, it is the largest of plants. Is my faith like a mustard seed?

Dear Lord, I believe in you, but I know that sometimes my faith is weak. Help me to do what I need to do to nourish my faith. Help me faith to grow, even in the difficult days of muy life.

Tues., August 1

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28; Matthew 13:36-43

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” – Mt 13:43

Are my ears always open to the word of Jesus?

Lord, your word is always present. Help me to better hear what you say and the act accordingly. Never allow me to be deaf to your teachings.

Wed., August 2, 2017

Exodus 34:29-35; Matthew 13:44-46

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Mt 13:44

Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a newly found treasure. How can I experience God in this way?

Lord, having you in my life is greater than any treasure I could find. Grant me the wisdom to surrender whatever I may have to in order to have a greater experience of your presence. Always help me to be willing to give up anything for you.

Thurs., August 3, 2017

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53

“Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous.” – Mt 13:49

Jesus tells us that the angels will separate the righteous from the wicked. Where will I be placed, with the righteous or the wicked?

Lord, I try so very hard to follow all of your teachings, but there are times when I fail. Help me to remain on the side of the righteous. I seek this not because I fear the punishment but because I know it offends you when I am counted with the wicked.

Fri., August 4, 2017

St. John Vianney, priest

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Mt 13:54-58

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” – Mt 13:57

What makes it hard for me to hear a prophetic message today?

Lord, I try so hard to hear and understand all the prophetic messages that are out there. But I do not always understand what the message is saying to me. Help me to hear your word and to act upon its’ message as I should.

Categorised in: Gospel Reflections, Weekday Reflections