1 Kings 11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37 & 40, Mark 7:24-30

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

1 Kings 11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37 & 40, Mark 7:24-30

1 Kings 11:4-13

My Beloved, how many of us like Solomon begin well but end up badly.  We stop walking in the way of wisdom, light and truth and take the easier path of foolishness and giddiness and drift further and further away from or eternal destiny.

We are made for You alone my God but we are tempted and give way to temptation yet You are faithful, merciful, tender, full of compassion.  Slow to anger and quick to forgive.  Thank You for Your prodigal love for Your people even though we sin over and over again.

Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37 & 40

My Beloved, we were created for God.  To those who obey Your just and righteous laws You look with kindness and bless mightily.  You are generous and give freely to those who walk in the light of Your love but to those who deliberately set their faces against You for short term gain, earthly riches, momentary pleasures and power, to those who indulge in sinful practices You set Your heart against them like flint.  To those who deliberately choose darkness over light You give them up to their own folly and destruction.

Mark 7:24-30

My Beloved, evil spares no one and so we must be givilant and on our guard always.  Our enemy prowls all over the world seeing the ruin of souls.

The Syro-Phoenician woman, a pagan, teaches us how to pray.  She knew that You could help her, she had heard of how You helped everyone in need and she was certain that You would not be deaf to the sound of her cry. Her little girl had an evil spirit and her mother was ready to brave difficulty for the sake of her child.  When she pleased with You to heal her daughter and You made it clear to her that You had only come for the people of Israel it did not deter her.  She did not pout and turn away in wounded pride, hurt, anger and dismay instead she stood her ground and claimed the crumbs that fell from the table of the children of God.

You not only granted her what she desired, but You applauded her faith and we we continue to speak of her to this day.  This pagan is held us to us as a model for intercessory prayer.  We do not give up at the first refusal but continue to ask with childlike trust and confidence knowing that God our Father will give every good and perfect gift to those who ask.