25th Week in Ordinary Time – Andrew Kim & Companions
1st Reading: Pro 21:1-6, 10-13
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it. All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart– the tillage of the wicked is sin. The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
Gospel: Lk 8:19-21
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS: To stress how much it means to him that we hear and act on the word of God, Jesus clearly states in the Gospel reading of today; “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Claiming to be a Christian, has to be justified by our readiness to listen to his word and to do what the word tells us. In a nutshell, Jesus invites his disciples to live their faith by being attentive listeners and faithful witnesses. There are many preachers of the word and “ministers” who preach to the crowds that gather every Sunday to listen to them. But there seems to be a major difficulty in translating the word into action. Hence, Jesus invites us to bridge the gap between hearing and living the word.
Prayer – Lord, we believe in you, we welcome your word. Help us with your grace to act on your word.
DAILY GOSPEL 