Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14, 17; Matthew 10:16-23
Summary
Sincere Conversion and New Life is the topic of our first reading today from the Prophet Hosea. Then selected for us, between the Old Testament reading and the gospel portion, sits King David’s lament/prayer for deliverance from Sin – not an abstraction of other’s mistakes or from the actions of oppressors — no, from our own errors – that where we own the act or attitude.
Before the gospel reading comes the Alleluia verse which pivots us to remember the words and actions of Jesus: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you. Which the gospel portion expands to: 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.
Reflection
Shrewd and Simple – means a spiritually mature mind and at the same time nurturing within a pure, innocent heart.
A spiritually mature mind is acutely aware of our own weaknesses and propensity to sin bringing about a certain sympathetic and supportive balm for those who suffer.
Personal Reflection
Continuing from yesterday’s theme, we are known to reject holiness from the ordinary and flawed people – even when the aid is extraordinary! Related and equally true we are in need of sincere conversion and a new way of life. Maturity in spiritual awareness and the determined effort to be pure and innocent of our own hands which makes us the ‘Sendable’.
Be sendable.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071026.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry