Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (YEAR 2013)

Ezekiel 36:23I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.

Prayer ...

Almighty and ever living God, we are so sorry for our sins that have tarnished your witness through us to our friends. We are sorry for the sins of our nation and how we have turned from your way. Please forgive us and move in a powerful way to reveal yourself in our day, in all your holiness. In the name of Infant Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today's Readings ... (July 02, 2013)

Day:	Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (YEAR 2013)
First Reading:	Gn 19:15-29
Responsorial Psalm:	Psalm 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12
Second Reading:	Nil
Gospel:	Matthew 8:23-27
Lectionary:	378
Colour:	Green
Listen to Reading:

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27

²³And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. ²⁴And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. ²⁵And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." ²⁶ And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. ²⁷ And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Meditation on Today's Scripture:

Jesus' sleeping presence on the storm tossed sea exposes the sleeping faith of his disciples. They feared for their lives even though their Lord was with them in the boat. They were asleep to Jesus while he was present to them in their hour of need. The Lord is ever present to us. And in our time of testing he asks the same question: Why are you frightened? Have you no faith? Do you distinguish the Lord’s presence with you, especially when you meet the storms of hardship, sorrow, or temptation? Whenever we meet trouble, the Lord is there with the same reassuring message: “It is I, do not be afraid”. Loving Jesus, may we always recognize your abiding presence with us. And in times of trouble or fear may we find courage and strength to respond as you would. Help us to rely upon you in all circumstances and to trust in your help both in hardship and in temptation.