July 19, 2024, Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time-B
Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8
Psalm 38
Matthew 12:1-8
“…something greater than the temple is here.” Matthew 12:6
Lord, laws and rules are important. Their role is to give our society an order and structure. Our laws protect the rights of our people. Your word today teaches us that the law is not perfect nor the ultimate purpose for our lives. In your day, nothing was greater than the temple. You tell us that relationships with you can trump the law. You tell us that mercy given to one another and worship of you is better than blind obedience. Lord, sometimes we are tempted to follow in strict obedience the rules in place of the hard work of loving you and our neighbor. Let me not be fooled into believing that I am pleasing you only by following the rules, while ignoring the needs and pains of my brothers and sisters. Your coming among us has replaced the tyranny of the law. Lord, give me a merciful heart. Help me to see the plight of my neighbors. Move me to build up a loving relationship with you, the master of all. May I today, choose mercy over judgement. Amen