Thursday Thirteenth Week Ordinary Time

Psalm 18:30: As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Prayer …

Heavenly Father, we trust our soul and future to you. You are our strength and shield. Please protect and guard us, our family, and your church from the Evil. Please keep us physically safe, spiritually exciting, and morally upright as we each one of us serve you this day and seek to honor your will by obeying your Word. In Infant Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Readings (July 05, 2012)

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time First Reading: Amos 7:10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8 Colour: GREEN Lectionary: 380

Short Reflection on Today's Gospel (Matthew 9:1-8)

Sin is the work of the kingdom of Satan and it holds each one of us in eternal bondage. There is only one solution and that is the curative, cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus’ action of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the impossible. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as profanity because they understand that only God had authority to forgive sins and to release a man or woman from their burden of fault. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could fairly give. Jesus not only proved that his power came from God, he showed the great power of God's saving love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only bodily, but spiritually as well. Jesus saved him from his burden of guilt and reinstated his body as well.