The Word: . "...and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick." (see Jeremiah 28:1-17)
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration of the day: The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major
After the declaration of the dogma of the divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin in the Council of (year 431), Pope Sixtus III dedicated this Basilica in in honor of the Mother of God. It was called "St Mary Major" later on. It is considered the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 28:1-17
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 119:29.43.79.80.95.102 (R. 68b)
Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 4:4
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
Inspiration: Beloved in Christ, we gather on this day: Monday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time to celebrate our God for His love and faithfulness.
In the course of today's liturgy of the Word we bare our minds on the contrasting true prophecy of Jeremiah and false prophecy of Hananiah. While the later cooked his message for deception God uses Jeremiah to rewrite the false prophecy of Hananiah. (cf. Jeremiah 28:1-17)
We have seen how Hananiah gave false hope to the people, honeying their bitter pills, telling them what he felt, thus taking advantage of the trust these people had on him.
However, Jeremiah on the other hand appeared to confront this falsehood of Hananiah with the true message from God, and warning them not to be deceived. Then at the appointed time, God's sovereignty over His people comes in to play.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are therefore reminded of the need to seek for God's truth and wisdom, to be cautious of false teachings and promises which are scattered in our Christian communities today. Let every spirit be tested as the Scripture says:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1). Here we are to discern, test the spirit and determine the source. In doing this, we will avoid deception, recognize false teaching, embrace truth and grow in discernment which will lead us into a deepened relationship with God.
We are therefore obliged to seek for God's truth and wisdom, so that we may be cautious of false teachings and promises.
In the light of this, we are to be convinced that God's grace and provision is always there to sustain us in challenging moment as He is a compassionate, healing and loving God; a gesture our Lord in the gospel pericope exemplified with the feeding of the multitude. (cf. Matthew 14:13-21 ).
Finally, we pray through the intercession of Our Mother whose feast we celebrate today that she may interceed on our behalf so that we may test every spirit for the sanctification of our souls. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Pardon the faults of your servants, we pray, O Lord, that we, who cannot please you by our own deeds, may be saved through the intercession of the Mother of your Son and our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen
© The ARCHIVE 05082024
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