July 26, 2019 Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time-C ST. JOACHIM, ST. ANNE, PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
Matthew 13:18-23
In those days: God delivered all these commandments… Ex. 20:1
“But the seed sown on rich soil…bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” Mt. 13:33
Lord, thank you for loving us so much to give us your holy and wise commandments. They show how much you care that we live in peace and harmony with you and our family and neighbors. Your commandments are like a compass that guides travelers across vast distances. I think the first one is the most important: “You shall not have other gods besides me.” The others make little sense if we don’t obey that one because then we lose our sense of direction and we can fall into disaster. Obedience to your word makes us rich soil for the germination of the seed you sow. Living according to your commands removes the obstacles and barriers to producing the fruit of a rich and holy life. Lord, your commands are not burdens but a foundation for all my thoughts, words and deeds. Continue to give me the desire to obey and thus please you today. Faithfulness to your word keeps me walking beside you on the road to eternal life. May I honor you today by maintaining and growing my relationship with you and those around me. I ask your holy Saints Joachim and Anne to pray for me. Amen.