August 4, 2020 Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-A ST. JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm 102
Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14
You shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jer. 30:22
“…what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Mt. 15:11
Lord, you can read the hearts of your people very well. You saw the insincerity of the Israelite people. In the gospel you taught your followers that empty rituals do not make a person holy. Again your word returns to what is in a person’s heart not how they follow meaningless practices that pleases God and brings the person into a covenant relationship. You could spot a hypocrite a mile away. You quoted Isaiah when you said: “this people honors me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.” Lord, I too am bothered by someone who tries to appear genuine but has a heart that deceives. Our politics have plenty of candidates for office that hide their real intentions by saying what people want to hear to receive their votes. Inspire me to open my heart to your grace so that I can be guided to greater love of you and my neighbor. Your Father wanted so much for his children to follow his commands and be sincere in their prayer. Lord, purify my heart so that I can truly see you. Help me to observe your laws and statutes above all others. Grant me the grace to follow you more completely. St. John Vianney pray for us. Amen