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Daily Scriptures: August 1, August 15 |
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By The Catholic Spirit
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 |
Sunday, Aug. 1
18th Sunday in ordinary time
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
“Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and put on the new self.” — Colossians 3:9
“When my friend realized she had accepted two invitations for the same evening, she was mortified, but she called both parties involved and honestly admitted her error. She was relieved when they each laughed and admitted they had been guilty of double booking on occasion. Later, my friend realized how often she was dishonest because of an unhealthy sense of shame and how liberating it was for her to simply tell the truth. When we are tempted to be dishonest, it is helpful to notice what we are afraid of and how that fear dictates our choices.
Monday, Aug. 2
Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop; Peter Julian Eymard, priest
Jeremiah 28:1-17
Matthew 14:13-21
Grief can make us bitter or open our hearts to the suffering of others.
Tuesday, Aug. 3
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Matthew 14:22-36
We grow in compassion and humility much more from our weaknesses than from our strengths.
Wednesday, Aug. 4
John Mary Vianney, priest
Jeremiah 31:1-7
Matthew 15:21-28
Have you had an experience that widened your vision and deepened your understanding of God’s dream for the world?
Thursday, Aug. 5
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Matthew 16:13-23
We all are both a channel of grace as well as an obstacle to God’s plan.
Friday, Aug. 6
Transfiguration of the Lord
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
2 Peter 1:16-19
Luke 9:28b-36
When we are suffering, it is helpful to recall moments of consolation and clarity.
Saturday, Aug. 7
Sixtus II, pope and martyr, and his companions, martyrs; Cajetan, priest
Hebrews 1:12 — 2:4
Matthew 17:14-20
Do you have faith that the source of God’s power is mercy?
Sunday, Aug. 8
19th Sunday in ordinary time
Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Luke 12:32-48
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” — Luke 12:34
While vacationing at the lake with our five young grandchildren, I noticed that while one loved to swim, another preferred to fish and yet another had a passion for puzzles. No one coerced them into these activities; rather they were just naturally attracted to them. Notice what happens when you listen to your deepest God-given desires and compare that with how you feel when you are competing for success, approval or control.
Monday, Aug. 9
Teresa Benedicta of the Cross [Edith Stein], virgin and martyr
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c
Matthew 17:22-27
Is there a loss you have not grieved?
Tuesday, Aug. 10
Lawrence, deacon and martyr
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
John 12:24-26
Notice what happens when you step out in faith and face your fear.
Wednesday, Aug. 11
Clare, virgin
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
Matthew 18:15-20
If you habitually criticize someone rather than attempt to reconcile with him or her, become aware of what you might fear.
Thursday, Aug. 12
Jane Frances de Chantal, religious
Ezekiel 12:1-12
Matthew 18:21 — 19:1
Pray for a deeper awareness of God’s mercy toward you.
Friday, Aug. 13
Pontian, pope and martyr, and Hippolytus, priest and martyr
Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63
Matthew 19:3-12
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness, even in the face of weakness and failure?
Saturday, Aug. 14
Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32
Matthew 19:13-15
Make it a priority to do something today that will foster a childlike openness and wonder.
Sunday, Aug. 15
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah.” — Luke 1:39
Mary’s travels to the house where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived took her through some rugged terrain and no doubt was a difficult trip. Despite some popular depictions of Mary as demure and passive, this was not a journey for the faint of heart. Mary’s willingness to risk leaving her comfortable and familiar surroundings is an inspiration to anyone on the faith journey. Is there a leap of faith you are being invited to take today?
The daily reflections are written by Terri Mifek, a member of St. Edward in Bloomington and a certified spiritual director at the Franciscan Retreat House in Prior Lake.
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