Some seed fell on the path.

July 22, 2021 7:35 am

“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up.” (MT 13: 3-4)

It looks like more seeds were waste: on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, “but some seed fell on reach soil.” And again, they didn’t produce the same, but some more and some less. Our role is to put seeds into our brothers and sisters; don’t be upset not seeing amazing fruits. Accept differences, accept their own way to bring fruits.

“The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Here are my mother and my brothers.

July 20, 2021 3:00 am

“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (MT 12: 49-50)

Our relationship with Our Lord is the most unique: He looks at us as His family. We are not objects of His mission or stubborn followers; we are brothers, sisters, mothers. When we pray, it is good to remember who we are.

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.” (Gospel Acclamation

A sign from you…

July 19, 2021 3:00 am

“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” (MT 12: 38)

It happened not only to Our Lord; the same happens to us. People expect to from each other: husbands from wives, and wives from husbands, children from parents. We are wounded, we don’t believe, and we want to check, double-check, and again. We want to see, to listen, and to experience. Knowing it, we communicate better.

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Rest a while.

July 18, 2021 3:00 am

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (MK 6: 31)

Rest a while is not a waste; we need time to reflect, to “report Him all we had done and taught.” Being in “a deserted place” helps us build our identity and focus on who we are, not what we do; we are human beings, not human doers.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

He withdrew from that place.

July 17, 2021 3:00 am

“The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.” (MT 12: 14-15)

Our Lord was never offended. When He realized that the Pharisees wanted to put him to death, “He withdrew from that place” and started serving in another place. Sometimes we have to change cities, or places, sometimes we will have bigger challenges, but when we are always focus on serving and bringing more good to others, we will follow Our Lord’s example.

“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (Gospel Acclamation)

I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

July 16, 2021 3:00 am

“I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (MT 12: 6-8)

Practicing religion, we need a good guide because sometimes we chose peripherals instead of essence. The essence is always: look for greater love, mercy, understanding, gentleness, respect, a gift of self, etc. Catholicism is about loving as Our Lord loves.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

I will give you rest.

July 15, 2021 3:00 am

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (MT 11: 28)

Contrary to the devil, who doesn’t celebrate Sunday, (he only always works), Our Lord reminds us of the beauty of rest. And He wants to give us rest, not the one proposed by the world—to escape from daily routine to attractions, but “to come to Him,” and spend the time with Him. His presence always brings love and respect, gentleness and admiration—everything we need to rest.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

July 14, 2021 3:00 am

“No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” (MT 11: 27)

We know that Our Lord “wishes to reveal Him.” The more time we spend contemplating His life, the more we know Jesus, the more we know His Father: His love, His mercy, His gentleness, and respect. We are so happy to be invited to the relationship with Him.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Since they had not repented.

July 13, 2021 3:00 am

“Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done since they had not repented.” (MT 11: 20)

Our Lord’s teaching, miracles, and all His signs were directed to one goal: “to repent”—bring us closer to God the Father, remind us of our destination and help us to bring fruits of our love to others. To “not repent” like receiving the good strategies to support our lives without any will to implement them in our daily actions and lives. It is like enjoying the idea of showing respect to your spouse without doing anything to express your respect.

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Whoever receives you receives me.

July 12, 2021 3:00 am

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (MT 10: 40)

How deeply Our Lord identifies Himself with us—He wants to be recognized in all our actions and our service to others. And His reward comes together to those who accept us.

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Gospel Acclamation)