July 31, 2020 Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time-A ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST
Jeremiah 26:1-9
Psalm 69
Matthew 13:54-58
And they took offense at him. Mt. 13:57
Lord, the rejection and disbelief of your family and friends had to hurt you deeply. You had grew up with these people. You knew them very well. You probably made furniture or tools for them when you were a carpenter. But that’s’ all they could see when they looked at you. You couldn’t be any more than the carpenter’s son or Mary’s son. They heard the strength of your teaching and knew of your mighty miracles. But they couldn’t get beyond their familiarity with you. Perhaps you asked them to change their ways. Perhaps you revealed their shortcomings and faults. The call to repentance is not often well-received especially from someone close. It was so sad that they missed out on the new life you offered. You wanted to reconcile them with your Father but they couldn’t accept the message from you. Lord, I want to see your presence in new ways today. I pray that you will reveal your love and truth to me in new forms and new people. Help me not to judge anyone’s faith or devotion. Keep me close to you and always open my heart to your truth. St. Ignatius pray for us. Amen.