How would we know what is pleasing to the Lord, our God, if we do not hear His Word or His will for us, if we do not sit at His feet in His presence to dwell on His Word for us?
For only when we listen to His Word and will attentively will we recognize our fellow sisters and brothers, fellow children of God. And only then we will act virtuously and with justice for their greater good.
For hearing His Word and will for us, we become merciful and loving as He, our Lord, is loving and merciful. And only then we can truly declare that we are children of God, our Heavenly Father, so loved by Him. Amen.
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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.
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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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