2 Kings 24:8-17, Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9, Matthew 7:21-29

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Kings 24:8-17, Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9, Matthew 7:21-29

 2 Kings 24:8-17

 My soul's beloved, we can look at today's reading and see the destiny of those people and nations who have abandoned the Way of Truth that leads to Life. Jerusalem represents the Church on earth and he people have succumbed to evil and have forgotten their Christian heritage and embrace faiths and practices that are alien to truth beauty, purity, holiness and goodness. They have taken captive and are led into exile. Only a remnant are left behind. The poorest, those the world considers weak.God never forsakes those who do not forsake Him and from this remnant will rise up a Church stripped from all that hinders are and she will be stronger, and shine with a greater light that will once again draw people from all nations to come and worship the  One, true, holy God.

Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9

My soul's beloved, the faithful have always been persecuted and we can expect no less. In fact You have said that if they persecuted You we ought not to be surprised when they mete out the same treatment to us. The world hated You and the world hates us who follow You because we shine Your Light and the world prefers the darkness.

Help us to remain faithful and not succumb to the lure of evil no matter how much we are called to suffer for Your sake.

Matthew 7:21-29

My soul's beloved, You once told Your disciples that to do Your Father's will was food and drink to You. So it must be with us. However, it is not enough to pay lip service to You we have to live the Gospel day in and day out, in season and out of season. We must witness to the truth even when we are persecuted, mocked, scorned, imprisoned or even put to death. You warn us that it is not sufficient to say Lord, Lord piously preaching a gospel of prosperity that is the opposite of all that You taught.

Those who are truly Your disciples know You and follow You guided by Your Word they build their house on the firm foundation of the Rock and no matter what difficulties come their way they will remain strong and steadfast for they have built their life on You. Those who follow You are hated by the world but even we can perish if we do not keep our gaze fixed on You and our hand in Yours. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we will never abandon the narrow path that leads to salvation.