This Week’s Gospel Message for Sunday, July 19th is from Matthew 13:24-43.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”
“Growth implies change. Change effected by the Spirit, who comes to the aid of human weakness, is transformative. The image of a huge bush filled with birds flying in from every direction to nest together in its branches is a beautiful vision of the heavenly kingdom. May our example draw others to flock to God’s welcoming, loving, infinite embrace.” Source: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2020
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Micah 6:1-4, 6-8; Matt 12:38-42
Tuesday Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Matt 12:46-50
Wednesday Song 3:1-4b; John 20:1-2, 11-18
Saint Mary Magdalene (Feast) – “With some other women, Mary traveled with Jesus and the apostles during his ministry. Her great love for Jesus was expressed when she faithfully stood near the cross after the other disciples fled. She anointed Jesus’ body on Easter morning and became the first witness to the resurrection. She became the ‘Apostle to the Apostles.’”
Thursday Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; Matt 13:10-17
Friday Jer 3:14-17; Matt 13:18-23
Saturday 2 Cor 4:7-15; Matt 20:20-28
Saint James, Apostle (Feast) – “James, son of Zebedee, was a fisherman with his brother John. He was close to the Lord, being present at the raising of Jairus’s daughter, at the transfiguration, and in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is known as James the Greater, to distinguish him from the other apostle of the same name. He is a patron saint of Spain and of pilgrims.” Source: Living With Christ, July 2020