July 19

July 19, 2014:  Saturday, 15th week, Ordinary Time

Readings

• Mi 2:1-5  Woe to those who plan iniquity, coveting and seizing fields and houses, or cheating.  The Lord is planning against them; they'll chant, “Our ruin is complete!”

• Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14  "Do not forget the poor, O Lord!"  The wicked harass the afflicted, glory in their greed, disregard the Lord, curse, and murder the innocent.  The unfortunate depend on you.

• Mt 12:14-21  When Jesus realized the Pharisees were planning to kill him, he withdrew, curing all who followed him.  This was to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy:  "I shall place my Spirit upon my servant... in whom Gentiles will hope" (Is 42:1-4).

Music

• Psalm 10:  Yahweh Is King Forever/ Psalms Project

• Your grace is enough/ Maher (sheet music sample)

Reflections

• Creighton:  Micah invites us to trust God and not lose hope. / Jesus decides not to confront the Pharisees and asks his followers not to make him known.  He heals all who follow him.

• One Bread One Body:  When the Pharisees saw healing and life, they plotted death, but Jesus responded with gentleness and compassion, bringing healing.  Despite our wickedness, God treats us gently.  How do I help the "smoldering wicks" in my life?

• Passionist:  Micah expresses his anger towards oppressors.  Jesus, moved with pity by the poor and oppressed, deals with the threat to his life by continuing to teach and cure.  When we experience powerlessness, remember God won't forget the poor and stay the course with faith in God who creates, loves, redeems, and sanctifies.  Faith is stronger than evil, love stronger than hate, justice more powerful than wickedness.

• DailyScripture.net:  Matthew quotes a "suffering servant" prophecy of Isaiah to explain the Messiah would accomplish his mission not through crushing power but love and sacrificial service.  Jesus brought God's justice tempered with love and mercy, giving hope, courage, and strength to persevere.  His grace is sufficient.  Do I rely on God's help and grace?

• Universalis:  St. John Plessington, priest, martyr

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• Tie with houses:  They covet houses and take them (1st reading)

• 'Penny pincher' button:  the wicked man glories in his greed (psalm)
• 'Eyeball' tie pin:  his eyes spy upon the unfortunate (psalm)

• 'Medical' pin:  Many followed him, and he cured them all (gospel)

Preview tomorrow's post NEWDress your life!