1.8 Fri 17th OT (Alphonsus Liguori)
Jer 26,1-9; Psalm 69; Matt 13,54-58

A prophet never lacks honour except in his home town. Matt 13,57

Sometimes I get a taste of the scorn reserved for God's prophets. What is done in obedience to God's wishes is not always seen as a sign from God and then I am despised.

2.8 Sat 17th OT (Eusebius of Vercelli)
Jer 26,11-16.24; Psalm 69; Matt 14,1-12

Listen to the voice of the Lord. Jer 26,13

It is true wisdom to be able to recognise those Jesus sends to teach us to obey his word! Doing so we accept his love which instils his peace in us.

3.8 Sun 18th OT (Nicodemus)
Isa 55,1-3; Psalm 145; Rom 8,35.37-39; Matt 14,13-21

He saw a large crowd and his heart went out to them. Mat 14,14

Jesus observed the crowd that was following him eagerly, but with difficulty. In them he saw a sign from the Father to manifest himself . Like a "good shepherd" he "healed those who were sick" and fed them and let them rest. He demonstrated the Father's compassion.

4.8 Mon 18th OT (John Baptist Vianney)
Jer 28,1-17; Psalm 119; Matt 14,13-21

This is a remote place and the day has gone. Matt 14.15

Jesus intervenes to give joy and life when we have lost hope. We trust too much in people and are disappointed and go hungry. If we could only learn to trust in Jesus, how many families would still be together!

5.8 Tues 18th OT (Afra)
Jer 30,1-2,12-15,18-22; Psalm 102; Matt 14,22-36

Why did you hesitate? How little faith you have! Matt 14,31

If we trusted Jesus as the Good, Just, Holy, True and Omnipotent Lord we could live through the most difficult situations in peace, knowing that he takes care of us! He delights in those who place hope in his grace and believe his word!

6.8 Wed 18th OT The Transfiguration
Dan 7,9-10.13-14; Psalm 97; II Peter 1,16-19; Matt 17,1-9

Stand up! Do not be afraid! Matt 17,7

Peter, James and John heard the voice of the Father speaking in the heavens. They realize that they are in the presence of God and they fell on their faces in terror. Only Jesus, approaching them and touching them with his love can give them the strength and joy to get up and stand before God as his children.

7.8 Thurs 18th OT (Sixtus II)
Jer 31,31-34; Psalm 51; Matt 16,13-23

You think as men think, not as God thinks! Matt 16,23

Peter and the other apostles are not able to accept the fact that Jesus was to suffer at the hands of men and die. To deny this aspect of the Messiah's life means to misunderstand his role as Saviour. To distance oneself from the cross is not according to God's plan: we would miss out on the resurrection.

8.8 Fri 18th OT (Dominic)
Nahum 2,1.3; 3,1-3,6-7; Psalm: Deut 32,35-41; Matt 16,24-28

Woe betide the blood stained city! Nahum 3,1

Nineveh was a very corrupt city! The crimes, the kidnappings and cases of fraud were countless. Traditions had become decadent and prostitution rife… " The Lord takes vengeance and is quick to anger" says the prophet Nahum. And in the day of the Lord there will be times of anguish and death except for those whom he recognises as his and whom he will take with him .

9.8 Sat 18th OT (Teresa of the Cross, Edith Stein)
Esther 13,4-17; Psalm 35; John 4,19-24

Sir, I can see you are a prophet! John 4,19

When the Samaritan woman realises that Jesus knows everything about her, she has the intuition that he is a man of God. He helps her to understand that worship of the Father is not only for certain places and at certain times, but is an expression of love towards God and people. Let us pray to St Teresa of the Cross, Patroness of Europe that she might intercede for Europe's true Christianity!

10.8 Sun 19th OT Year A (Lawrence)
I Kings 19,9,11-13; Psalm 85; Rom 9,1-5; Matt 14,22-33

Take hear! It is I! Do not be afraid! Matt 14,27

I am reminded of Pope Benedict reporting John Paul II's encouraging him not to be afraid and to accept his new role. Thank you Jesus for encouraging me to persevere in your service by means of your words or those of others.

11.8 Mon 19th OT (Clare)
Ezek 1,2-5,24-28; Psalm 149; Matt 17,22-27

The Son of Man is to be handed over into the power of men. Matt 17,22

We can accept or deny Jesus, recognise him or refuse him, honour him or eliminate him from our lives with our superficiality and our obsession with material goods! Lord Jesus have pity on us!

12.8 Tues 19th OT (Euplius)
Ezek 2,8 - 3,4; Psalm 119; Matt 18,1-5,10,12-24

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. Matt 18,10

It is easy to despise the little ones, the less gifted! Jesus warns us! To him it is the humble who are pleasing, those who find help, strength, grace only in him. Holy Spirit, guide us, help us to love everybody and to talk of you to our young boys and girls.

13.8 Wed 19th OT (Hippolytus)
Ezek 9,1-7;10,18-22; Psalm 113; Matt 18,15-20

If your brother does wrong, go and take the matter up with him. Matt 18,15

Jesus encourages us to help a brother who does wrong, to redeem himself. We don't often do this either for fear or for the love of peace. We should ask the Lord for his love and discretion so that we do not make it easier for others to chose the wrong paths and ruin their lives.

14.8 Thurs 19th OT (Maximilian Kolbe)
Ezek 12,1-12; Psalm 77; Matt 18,21-19,1

Lord, how often am I to forgive my brother? Matt 18,21

Jesus, how often have you forgiven me! You have forgiven me everything. Thank you, and I, too, want to forgive with your grace all those who have hurt and offended me. Through my forgiveness may they realise that you love them!

15.8 Fri The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rev 11,19;12,1-6.10; Psalm 45; I Cor 15,20-26; Luke 1,39-56

For the mighty God has done great things for me. Luke 1,49

Mary recognises God's presence in her life. We know that he fulfils great works in the lives of all who trust in the Father. His mercy and care accomplish great things like the potter when he takes clay into his hands.

16.8 Sat 19th OT (Rock)
Ezek 18,1-10.13.30-32; Psalm 51; Matt 19,13-15

I shall judge everyone of you on his record. Ezek 18,30

God knows our situation: we need not blame anyone for anything bad that happens to us. We need only to believe in the love of the Father who guides us and corrects us: everything is for our own good and our eternal salvation.

17.8 Sun 20th OT Year A (Hyacinth)
Isa 56,1.6-7; Psalm 67; Rom 11,13-15.29-32; Matt 15,21-28

Help me, sir! Matt 15,25

Within this cry for help there are years of pain, of prayer and of a mother's attempts to save her daughter from evil. With Jesus approaching she has the intuition that God can help her. The Lord realises how profoundly humble the woman is and intervenes to free her daughter.

18.8 Mon 20th OT (Helena)
Ezek 24,15-24; Deut 32,18-21; Matt 19,16-22

One alone is good. Matt 19,17

Yes, God alone is good and Jesus his Son shows us all his love. We must learn to recognise that only what comes from God is good, the thoughts and words he gives us, his requests and his reproofs. What does not come from God cannot be good for us or for others!

19.8 Tues 20th OT (John Eudes)
Ezek 28,1-10; Deut 32,26-30,35-36; Matt 19,23-30

Then who can be saved? Matt 19,25

Jesus claims that wealth can be a great obstacle to entering the kingdom of heaven. But he says that God the Father can also operate in the hearts of the wealthy; they can be freed of egoism and greed and saved by the power of the Holy Spirit. "Nothing is impossible for God he says! Thank you, Jesus!

20.8 Wed 20th OT (Bernard of Clairvaux)
Ezek 34,1-11; Psalm 23; Matt 20,1-16

The last will be first and the first last! Matt 20,16

It doesn't matter to the Lord what we have done, but how we have done it! Did we act out of love for him or out of our own interests? Were we humble or did we boast? Were we compassionate or were we arrogant? What he gives us is always a gift never what we deserve. Those who are grateful are always better than those with expectations.

21.8 Thurs 20th OT ( Pius X)
Ezek 36,23-28; Psalm 51; Matt 22,1-14

My friend, how do you come to be here without wedding clothes? Matt 22,12

Refusing to wear the clothes offered him, that man is excluded from the King's friendship. His obstinacy prevents him from enjoying communion with others. Some sad faces during mass are a sign of refusing to wear the clothes the Lord gives us with confession of our sins!

22.8 Fri 20th OT (Blessed Virgin, Queen Mary)
Ezek 37,1-14; Psalm 107; Matt 22,34-40

One of them tried to catch him out with a question. Matt 22,35

The Sadducees and the Pharisees were not interested in Jesus' reply: they were convinced they knew everything already. They were only interested in finding a reason for condemning Jesus, who realises the hypocrisy of their question, but out of compassion, he offers them the truth.

After 8th September there is a form to fill in if you wish to order the calendar for 2009. Please do not delay, thank you!

23.8 Sat 20th OT (Philip Benizi)
Ezek 43,1-7; Psalm 85; Mat 23,1-12

You have one teacher! Matt 23,10

In these times there are many teachers, friends and people who have a fascinating ability with words and a pleasant smile. Lord Jesus, in your mercy do not let me deviate from the path of peace you teach with simple humble words. Do not abandon me to the mercy of astute persons or of my own feelings: I wish to follow only your truth!

24.8 Sun 21st OT Year A (Bartholomew)
Isa 22,19-23; Psalm 138; Rom 11,33-36; Matt 16,13-20

You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God! Matt 16,16

Jesus is pleased with Simon Peter's reply but he tells him and the other disciples not to say anything: he does not wish to be misunderstood! Jesus is the Messiah who begins the year of grace with signs and miracles, but he is also the suffering servant who offers up his life. It is a mystery that his disciples will only understand after Pentecost when he asks them to announce to all the world the remission of sins in his Name.

25.8 Mon 21st OT (Louis IX)
II Thess 1,1-5.11-12; Psalm 96; Matt 23,13-22

Alas for you, blind guides! Matt 23,16

If we don't listen to the word of God with love; if we don't obey Jesus with love, we will not be able to help anyone let alone be safe guides to our children, our grandchildren or our Godchildren or anyone else who asks us for advice.

26.8 Tues 21st OT (Zephyrinus)
II Thess 2,1-3.13-17; Psalm 96; Matt 23,23-26

Let no one deceive you in any way. II Thess 2,3

Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be confused or troubled by words or by letters claimed to be written by him about salvation and the coming of Jesus. All the bible gives light on these important things, the most important things in our lives: it concerns beatitude or eternal perdition; the devil will always attempt to seduce and deceive!

27.8 Wed 21st OT (Monica)
II Thess 3,6-10.16-18; Psalm 128; Matt 23,27-32

Anyone who will not work shall not eat. II Thess 3,10

The Apostle Paul led a hardworking and generous life in order not to be a weight but a help to others; he was an example to the other Christians. We are indeed all collaborators of God the Father and Creator. We should not love idleness or encourage it in others so it is important to be careful to whom you give charity! Better to encourage those organisations that help the poor to work.

28.8 Thurs 21st TO (Augustine)
I Cor 1,1-9; Psalm 145; Matt 24,42-51

Keep awake then, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matt 24,42

The coming of the Lord is certain even for those who do not believe and do not think about it. It is the most important event in our lives: it should have precedence over all else. Then we will always be ready to meet our Lord: we will always live with him!

29.8 Fri Beheading of John the Baptist
Jer 1,17-19; Psalm 71; Mark 6,17-29

I shall be with you to keep you safe. Jer 1,19

The Lord encouraged Jeremiah in his difficult mission: he was to speak out his judgement against the city of Judah. Let us repeat these words that will help us to live in the presence of God and to do what he asks of us.

30.8 Sat 21st OT (Felix and Adauctus)
I Cor 1,26-31; Psalm 32; Matt 25,14-30

God has chosen what the world counts folly. I Cor 1,27

When you feel weak and have to admit you are sadly lacking in abilities, do not get depressed; turn to the Lord Jesus, trust that he will use our weakness to manifest his glory and his love. Everything is possible to him!

31.8 Sun 22nd OT Year A (Raymond Nonnatus)
Jer 20,7-9; Psalm 62; Rom 12,1-2; Matt 16,21-17

Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it! Matt 16,25

Thank you Jesus, for these words. I want to trust them more than I trust myself, for I am sure that you will not disappoint the expectations of my heart. In trusting you, I have always found peace and great joy!

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