1ST READING
Paul does not want people to see him as strong, as this would be a hindrance to the proclamation of the Gospel. If we see that Paul is weak, incapable of living the Gospel by his own strength, then when we see the effect of his preaching and example. The power of Paul’s witness is seen through his weakness, according to the grace of God at work in him.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 Brothers and sisters: I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things, which no one may utter. 5 About this man I will boast, but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6 Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me 7 because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
P S A L M
Psalm 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 9 [10] Fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for nought is lacking to those who fear him. 10 [11] The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord want for no good thing. (R) 11 [12] Come, children, hear me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 [13] Which of you desires life, and takes delight in prosperous days? (R)
GOSPEL
The things that truly matter are related to eternal life, not this passing reality in the world. St. Francis of Assisi took the call of detachment very seriously. Some say that he took it to the extreme. Sometimes, what the world needs is a witness who shakes up society’s value system and gets people to think about other things. Our lives should be signs of contradiction today, but always within the perspective that it is eternal life that really matters.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Matthew 6:24-34
24 Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
think: Sometimes, what the world needs is a witness who shakes up society’s value system and gets people to think about other things.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Chronicles 7-9
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