MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
11 SEPTEMBER 2017
PAPHNUTIUS THE GREAT
COLOUR: GREEN
ROSARY: JOYFUL
FIRST READING
Col1:24–2:3
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you
and for those in Laodicea
and all who have not seen me face to face,
that their hearts may be encouraged
as they are brought together in love,
to have all the richness of assured understanding,
for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 62:6-7, 9
R/ IN GOD IS MY SAFETY AND MY GLORY
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R/ IN GOD IS MY SAFETY AND MY GLORY
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him;
God is our refuge!
R/ IN GOD IS MY SAFETY AND MY GLORY
ACCLAMATION
Jn 10:27
R. Alleluia, Alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Lk 6:6-11
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught,
and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely
to see if he would cure on the sabbath
so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
But he realized their intentions
and said to the man with the withered hand,
"Come up and stand before us."
And he rose and stood there.
Then Jesus said to them,
"I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?"
Looking around at them all, he then said to him,
"Stretch out your hand."
He did so and his hand was restored.
But they became enraged
and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
REFLECTION
LAW OR LOVE
Brethren, we continue our reflection on the importance of love in our calling against the opposition of human laws. As Christians, we are often faced with the difficulty in following Christ due to human impositions.
Christ demonstrated once again that love differentiates us from the Pharisees. This human imposition limits or prevents us from leaving out our true calling. Christ's question, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?" Could not be answered then even now. These self-righteous Pharisees knew the answer to the question but were too ashamed, afraid, and
angry at their frustrated effort. Granted that the law was made for societal good, why were they angry with Jesus Christ and want to kill Him? They were envious of Christ growing popularity.
We are expected to follow Christ example. Show love to your neighbours. Let us not be barriers to someone else breakthrough. Be supportive to every good deed done in the Name of the Almighty God. Its rewarding to keep God's commandments rather than the limited provisions of the law that reflects the views of a cabal intended to oppress and suppress the masses. Peace be with you!
PRAYER
O Lord, Jesus Christ, grant us the grace to be instrument of Your Love rather than barriers. We ask this through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. Amen.
HAPPY MONDAY.
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