July 16, 2021 Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time-B OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
Exodus 11:10—12:14
Psalm 116
Matthew 12:1-8
“…something greater than the temple is here.” Mt.12:6
Lord, rules are important. Their role is to give our society an order and structure. Our laws protect the rights of our people and help to keep us safe. Your word today teaches us that the law is not perfect nor the ultimate purpose for our lives. 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 by following the rules, while ignoring the needs and pains of my brothers and sisters. Your coming among us replaced the tyranny of blindly following 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 judgment. Thank you for the gift of the Sabbath day of rest. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. Amen.