We will remain Sunday Catholics if we do not allow the Eucharistic Celebration to change us from within. For every Eucharistic Celebration, whether it on a weekday or weekend, is a gift from the Lord our God to draw us ever closer to Him. That is why it is a thanksgiving celebration of His great love for us. His ever living, life giving Word is proclaimed and as we listen intently our hearts, minds and souls fall into His loving embrace as we are nurtured. Then He feeds us of Himself, body, blood, soul and divinity. We are renewed, strengthened, fortified against all evil. Therefore every Eucharistic Celebration is an opportunity for us to change and to be more and more like Him, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!
If we are not changed in the least then it is due to our own stubborness, our hardness of heart. Having heard His Word we have refused to take concrete actions to live out His Word and Will for us in our lives. We are essentially turning our backs to Holy Communion with Him. How then can we claim that our worship of Him is not one of lip service?
Lord Jesus, may Your Word be on my mind, in my heart and in my actions always. Amen
First reading
Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13
On wickedness and virtue
Like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord, who turns it where he pleases.
A man’s conduct may strike him as upright, the Lord, however, weighs the heart.
To act virtuously and with justice is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eye, proud heart, lamp of the wicked, nothing but sin.
The hardworking man is thoughtful, and all is gain;too much haste, and all that comes of it is want.
To make a fortune with the help of a lying tongue,such the idle fantasy of those who look for death.
The wicked man’s soul is intent on evil, he looks on his neighbour with dislike.
When a mocker is punished, the ignorant man grows wiser,when a wise man is instructed he acquires more knowledge.
The Just One watches the house of the wicked: he hurls the wicked to destruction.
He who shuts his ear to the poor man’s cry shall himself plead and not be heard.
Gospel
Luke 8:19-21
‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God’
The mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’
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