Exodus 1:8-14, 22, Psalm 124:1b-8, Matthew 10:34--11:1

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Exodus 1:8-14, 22, Psalm 124:1b-8, Matthew 10:34--11:1

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I'M GOING TO LET IT SHINE

http://www.bibleclaret.org/bibles/english.htman

Exodus 1:8-14, 22

My Beloved, the lot of the Israelites under the Egyptians after the death of Joseph and under the rule of a new pharaoh is reminiscent of the persecution Christians face today.  All those who follow You and make Your teaching a way of life are anathema to many.  Why do they feel threatened by us Lord - we who follow You follow the way of love and forgiveness so whey do they desire to kill us? They hope to sponge out our faith from the world  but the more they try the more blood they spill, they will find as Pharaoh and the Egyptians did that the greater the persecution the greater will be the numbers of followers and the quicker will Christianity spread for as it rightly said, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians."

Psalm 124:1b-8

You my Lord are always at the side of Your people so no harm will come to us.  You will not permit us to be tried beyond our capacity to endure and You will provide the grace and strength we need to overcome.  You free us from the traps set for us by the enemy.  You keep guard overs us, You are our constant help in times of trouble.

Matthew 10:34--11:1

My Beloved, if one in a family endeavors to take the Gospel and discipleship seriously it is possible that he or she may find they are alienated from friends and family members who prefer to live sinful or lukewarm lives.  Who do not wish for conversion  who prefer the muddy shallows to the deep.  Therefore we ought not to be surprises if our enemies are to be found within our own families or circle of friends.  No human love or attachment must be greater than our love for You if it is, the it is idolatry .

Being a disciple requires courage, faith, hope, love and discipline.  It means surrendering our will and accepting God's will for us joyfully in all things.  It is only by picking up life's daily crosses and following You will we find peace. 

We must never fail to offer a generous welcome to those who have consecrated their lives to God and aid we offer will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come.