1ST READING
The image of the attachment of a mother to her child, especially a newly born child, is extremely powerful. Isaiah uses it in the form of a negative counterpoint to explain how much God loves each one of us. When we are struggling and suffering, it can be very difficult to accept that God loves us. However, if we believe the Word of God is true, then we need to accept that God’s love for us is greater than anything we can imagine!
Isaiah 49:14-15
14 Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” 15Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.
P S A L M
Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
R: Rest in God alone, my soul.
1 [2] Only in God is my soul at rest; from him comes my salvation. 2 [3] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all. (R) 5 [6] Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. 6 [7] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 7 [8] With God is my safety and my glory, he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God. 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him. (R)
2ND READING
Paul cares very little about what the world thinks of him. What concerns him most is that the Gospel be proclaimed to as many people as possible. Paul’sconversion has taught him that seeking the approval of people is a complete waste of time; it is serving God that really matters, and what better way to serve Him than by working for the building of His Kingdom with every talent and resource that we have at our disposal.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
GOSPEL
Matthew reminds us about Jesus’ teaching to focus on eternal life. This is what matters in the long run. Whether we are rich or famous in the eyes of the world will not matter on Judgment Day. What will matter is how well we have lived our lives in terms of the Gospel truths and values. Let us never forget that God’s call to us is the one that will bring us the greatest lasting satisfaction, in fact, eternal satisfaction.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The word of God is living and effective; discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.
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 aboutclothes? 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: The best focus in life is eternal life.
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 James 1-5
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