1ST READING
God’s
promises of a good life for those who are faithful to Him never lack
generosity. They are always very attractive. But why does it seem to be
so simple for people to ignore them and continue in their sinful ways?
It is one of the paradoxes of the life of faith that we will probably
never fully understand. Perhaps it is because they are gifts and not
earned — we do not naturally trust promises that do not rely upon our
earning the reward.
Isaiah 25:6-10
6 On
this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of
rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; 8 he
will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from
every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole
earth; for the Lord has spoken. 9 On
that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save
us! This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that
he has saved us!” 10 For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.
P S A L M
Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
R: I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.
(R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)
2ND READING
Paul
affirms that discipleship embraces both good times and trials. We need
to be prepared for both. God will not intervene in the life of the
faithful such that they never suffer trials and difficulties. He will
give us the grace to endure and overcome them, but He will not banish
them from our lives. As disciples of Jesus we need to prepare ourselves
for the whole range of human experiences as we seek to do His will.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
12 Brothers
and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also
how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I
have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living
in abundance and of being in need. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 14 Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. 19 My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL
Why
would we ever ignore the invitation of God to enjoy a meal with Him? In
other words, is there anything that should stop us from responding to
God’s will? That is, given that salvation is a free gift from God, what
do we have to fear from His other invitations to us? We may receive a
call to a role in His Kingdom that may not be our first choice; however,
we need to remember that His will is the perfect will for us. Are we
ready to trust God with our lives?
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
May
the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
so that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.
Matthew 22:1-14
1 Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 4 A
second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited:
“Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are
killed, and everything is
ready; come to the feast.’” 5 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 9 Go out, therefore,
into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 10 The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. 12 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and
feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”
think: Are we ready to trust God with our lives?
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
____________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_
_____________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Wisdom 16-19
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
________________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment