August 22, 2019 Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time-C THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Judges 11:29-39
Psalm 40
Matthew 22:1-14
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you wished not… Ps. 40:7
“…but they refused to come.” Mt. 22:5
Lord, how could a father sacrifice his one daughter? There is no redeeming virtue in what Jephthah did. You used him to deliver Israel from their enemies but he disobeyed your commandment not to offer child sacrifice. Lord, you do not desire any sacrifice except that of a contrite heart. Jephthah would have done much better had he heeded the words of today’s Psalm when making vows to God. You asked Mary to give herself to you completely. She willingly accepted your invitation to set aside her plans for your plans. She gave birth to you, nurtured you and fully experienced the sword of sorrow that came with her life. Now she reigns as Queen in heaven with you and all the saints. Lord, help me to accept your invitation to the banquet you prepare for me. Keep me close to you and never let me lose sight of my place in your kingdom. May I be part of your generosity, your deliverance and your goodness. My “yes” to you may be costly but I trust in my King to transform my heart and mind. Make me worthy to live in your kingdom. Amen.