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Pope Benedict said. “A disciple of Christ is one who,
in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help,
has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him,
becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.”
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Song of Songs 3:1-4b (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
On my bed at night
列印 Mission is not just about works and activities. Rest is part of doing mission.
That is why He asks His disciples to go to secluded place by themselves.
In today's Gospel, Jesus is presented to have empathized both with his disciples and the people.
Jesus must have felt the tiredness of the apostles whom he sent out on a mission.
Hence, he invited them to a remote place where they could rest.
Likewise, Jesus had empathy with the people when he saw their condition likened to sheep without a shepherd.
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Jeremiah 23:1-6
"Woe to the shepherds
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It is not God who chooses our punishment.
It is of our own making.
Jesus performed many miracles there, but still their citizens are not changed.
He realized that the hearts of these people are bottomless pits.
No amount of wonderwork can make them see God’s goolness.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Isaiah 7:1-9
When Ahaz son of Jotham,
列印 Though the Pharisees persecuted Christ for doing good, yet he went on in it.
Christ’s intention in his miracles was to prove himself the Messiah,
That our Saviour was God’s Servant, He submitted himself to the Father’s will, in the great work of our redemption.
The pleasure of the Father in Christ ; Behold, my Servant whom I have chosen, my Beloved in whom my soul is well pleased.
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Apollinaris, bishop & martyr
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Micah 2:1-5
Woe to those
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Sometimes even from one’s most intimate circle of family and friends.
This may mean losing treasured bonds and taking up the difficulty of the cross.
St. Bonaventure, bishop & doctor
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Isaiah 1:10-17
Hear the warning of Yahweh,
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'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,'
For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."
The Law which is supposed to make life worth living by sanctifying human
endeavor becomes a yoke and burden to the majority.
And this is what Jesus wants the Pharisees to understand.
＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8
In those days
列印 Today's Gospel narrates Jesus choosing twelve from among his disciples.
Jesus gave them authority over evil spirits as he sent them in pairs.
He also cautioned them of the fact that, in their mission of proclaiming God's reign,
they would also experience rejection and persecution.
This is practical advice so that the focus is on the mission at hand rather than the missionary.
＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Amos 7:12-15
Amaziah then said to Amos,
列印 We are weary and burdened; Heavy burdens will come to us unbidden.
But we need not fear for we have Jesus to lighten the load for us.
All we need to do is come to him His door will always be open to us.
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Isaiah 26:7-9, 11, 16-19
Let the righteous walk in righteousness.
列印 “Do not be afraid”, God is reminding us all the time .
The words of Jesus are an encouragement not to be deterred in the face of challenge or opposition.
Help me to recognise your supporting presence and not to be afraid for you are with me always.
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Henry
＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that king
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Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
" The best way to know God is humility, and the greatest obstacle is pride."
The heart of God is surely disposed to the simple and lowly.
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Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16
Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger,
列印 It is humanly impossible to speak so.
It will not be we who speak, but the Spirit of Christ.
Jesus knows all this, yet he still sends us to take the Gospel to this difficult world.
But he also promises us his assistance: he asks us not to worry!
＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊
Hosea 14:2-10
Return to your God,
