Friday, August 18, 2006
Saturday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
August 19, 2006
Saturday 19th Week in Ordinary Time - Yr II
EZEKIEL 18:1-10, 13, 30-32
The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, what is the meaning of
this proverb that you recite in the land of Israel: "Fathers have eaten
green grapes, thus their children's teeth are on edge"? As I live, says
the Lord God: I swear that there shall no longer be anyone among you
who will repeat this proverb in Israel. For all lives are mine; the
life of the father is like the life of the son, both are mine; only the
one who sins shall die. If a man is virtuous-if he does what is right
and just, if he does not eat on the mountains, nor raise his eyes to
the idols of the house of Israel; if he does not defile his neighbor's
wife, nor have relations with a woman in her menstrual period; if he
oppresses no one, gives back the pledge received for a debt, commits no
robbery; if he gives food to the hungry and clothes the naked; if he
does not lend at interest nor exact usury; if he holds off from
evildoing, judges fairly between a man and his opponent; if he lives by
my statutes and is careful to observe my ordinances, that man is
virtuous-he shall surely live, says the Lord God. But if he begets a
son who is a thief, a murderer, or lends at interest and exacts usury-
this son certainly shall not live. Because he practiced all these
abominations, he shall surely die; his death shall be his own fault.
Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his
ways, says the Lord God. Turn and be converted from all your crimes,
that they may be no cause of guilt for you. Cast away from you all the
crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a
new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no
pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and
live!
MATTHEW 19:13-15
Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and
pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children
come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs
to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
REFLECTION
We must become like children to enter the kingdom of God. But what is a
child like? Children are certainly not perfect or sinless. Anyone who
has watched even the smallest of children play together has no doubt
noticed the selfish impulses that motivate them. But one quality of
children that we can imitate is their trust. Children have to be
trusting. They depend on their parents and other adults for their
survival and they know it. Even an abused child will trust his or her
parents for quite a while before growing embittered.
This trust is a virtue. As St. Paul says of the charismatic gift of
love, "There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope,
its power to endure." Children seem to posses these essential traits of
love. In this, they are very close to God, for as John tells us, "God
is love."
This childlike attitude is a part of one who is "born again" in the
true sense of the word. But Paul does not want us to be childish in our
childlikeness. He says, "Brothers, do not be childish in your outlook.
Be like children as far as evil is concerned, but in mind be mature."
He says to the Ephesians, "Live as children of the light. Keep careful
watch over your conduct. Do not act like fools, but like thoughtful
men." This hardly sounds like the conduct of immature children. As we
mature as a church, the body of Christ, Jesus is actually realized and
matured in us. This is a great mystery.
Do we seek a maturity that is based on childlike trust in God? Or do we
seek a worldly wisdom that is, in essence, childish? Do we confuse
childlikeness with childishness? St. Paul says, "You know that when you
were pagans, you were led astray as impulse drove you." The wind of the
Spirit involves more than just impulse. It involves mature discernment.
We must have a balance between childlike openness to God and mature
discernment of the Spirit.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
-for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
-for the eternal repose of the soul of Lt. Felimon Burayag.
Eternal rest grant unto him and may perpetual light shine upon
him. May he and all the souls of the dearly departed rest in Peace
-for better health of Manuel Calvo and Russel Corcuerra
-For peace of mind for Yolanda and Olivia Calvo
-for peace for the people of Israel and Lebanon
-for thanksgiving of Lydia & Jennette
-for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
-Birthday: Ditas Gruet
-for world peace and reconciliation.
Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our
prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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