THURSDAY OF THE TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - 2021

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord. PS 95:8

JUDGES 11:29-39 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

All our blessings and all our successes are Your gifts to us. If we submit to Your will in all things then we will accept all the good things that we receive with grace and humility and thank and praise You for Your goodness to us. 

We ought never to make foolish vows - they are unnecessary and You do not wish us to. All You ask of us is a grateful, thankful, heart that never ceases to give glory to God from whom all blessings flow.

Jephthah made a foolish vow without considering the repercussions in case things did not go as he envisioned they would and not only he but his daughter too paid the price for it. However, we must admire the girl for her willingness to submit to the oath her father made despite the cost to her.

Grant us the gift of wisdom O Lord that we may always do what is right and pleasing to You in all things. Amen.

PSALM 40:5,7-10 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

You said that doing Your Father's will was food and drink to You and so it ought to be with us who are Your disciples. To actively seek Your will in all things and do it is the key to a life of peace and joy.

When we exchange our will for Yours when we say as You did no matter what the cost, 'Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done" peace, like a river, will flow from us and we can rest in tranquility knowing that all things work for good for those who love You.

In this godless world where idols abound as does idolatry, keep us safe from such worthless pastimes that will cost us our immortal soul. As long as we seek Your will, Lord, we will be kept safe from the danger of losing our life to eternal death.  

Beloved, we were created to know You, to love You, and to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth - grant us the grace to do so all the days of our life so we and all who believe in You may live with You forever.

MATTHEW 22:1-14 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

God created all things for You and above all creatures, He desires that every man, woman, and child, love You and worship You. We deserved death but You became one like us and You redeemed us - we are irrevocably Yours because we owe our lives to You. This is why we are all invited to Your wedding banquet. The Father desires that we all take our place around the table and celebrate the union of the Bridegroom and His Bride.

However, many reject You. They prefer to go about their own business rather than be busy with the business of God and of eternal salvation. There are severe consequences to those who reject the Father's invitation. God desires that we have a share in Your glory, and in Your Kingdom, He desires our eternal happiness, but if we turn our back to Him, we can be certain that our death will be eternal.

Thank You for inviting us to belong to the Church You founded. Thank You for the graces that flow from the Sacraments that enable us to live holy lives that are pleasing to You. Thank You that our names are written in the palms of Your hands and that we are bound for heaven because You have saved us. 

Help us to keep our baptismal garments free from the stain of sin so we can live with You eternally.