Lectionary: 450
Reading 1
prv 21:1-6, 10-13
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD;
wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,
but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart–
the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil;
his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;
when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked:
there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself also call and not be heard.
Responsorial Psalm
ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
R. (35) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set your ordinances before me.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Gospel
lk 8:19-21
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
THEME: GOD'S KIN
"My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." –Luke 8:21
Luke 8:21 is one of the most amazing promises ever made. We can actually become mothers, brothers, and sisters of Jesus, that is, of God, by hearing God's Word and acting on it (see Mt 12:50). However, few people, even Christians, receive this promise.
How many people physically hear the Word of God more than once a week? Of those who do, how many welcome God's Word into their hearts? (see Jas 1:21) How many hearers of God's Word are also doers of His Word? (Jas 1:22) Although anyone can at any time be a mother, brother, and sister to Jesus, few are willing to meet the conditions necessary to be in Jesus' immediate family. Don't we think Jesus' promise is true? For centuries, Christians who have taken Jesus up on His promise have not been disappointed, but have known a special kinship with Him. Don't we want to be close to Jesus? Aren't we in love with Him? Don't we believe He literally died for us in love?
Every day, first thing in the morning, read, hear, pray, and do God's Word. You will experience kinship and intimacy with Jesus as He promised.
PRAYER: Jesus, may my relationship with You be closer than any other relationship in my life.
PROMISE: "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." –Prv 21:3
PRAISE: God gave St. Pio the gift of reading hearts, particularly when hearing Confessions.
Be an inspiration, kindly Share.
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