Return

Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: HOS 14:2-10; PS 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14 AND 17; MT 10:16-23

Epilogue

I put the conclusion first in the reflection.

Who is wise enough to understand these things? Who is intelligent enough to know them? Straight are the paths of the LORD, the just walk in them, but sinners stumble in them. If we cannot trust princes, military horses and people are wolves disguised as sheep we are in a dire situation indeed. It can be so confusing and anxiety driven!

Thus says the LORD: Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt.

Summary

The sacred Scripture today makes the dividing line between wandering aimlessly and following the good path easier to see.

Good Path

1. I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.
2. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.
3. Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men.
4. And the responsorial too: Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.

Not so good path

1. Trusting princes, armies, alliance, acquisition, and unfair advantage.
2. Ironically, churches, synagogues, governors and kings will be witness against you.

Reflection

Hosea and the responsorial psalm capture wonderfully the good path. Return to the Lord. Seek forgiveness when in error.

Personal Reflection

Life is hard enough at times. Our errors bring a burden that does not belong and is not a part of the plan. Moreover, even when we do right and act right, there will be contention and danger. Hosea and the psalmist refer to the first of these. Jesus in the gospel portion refers to the balance – contention.

Do right anyway. The Spirit of truth will help you know and say what you need to do. The sanctification of your good works will clarify you. And the LORD will always love you. He loves you freely and exuberantly.

Keep your silence and speak only the truth. Do not cast your pearls before those who are not willing to receive them. Be kind that the healing effects of kindness are given.

Sacred Scripture

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071224.cfm

First Reading

Sincere Conversion and New Life

I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.

Responsorial

My mouth will declare your praise.

Gospel Acclamation

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.

Gospel

Coming Persecutions.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry