July 13, 2017 Thursday
14th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Genesis 44:18-21. 23-28;45:1-5Gospel: Mt 10:7–15
Jesus said to his disciples, “Go and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. You received this as a gift, so give it as a gift. Do not carry any gold, silver or copper in your purses. Do not carry a traveler’s bag, or an extra shirt, or sandals, or walking stick: workers deserve their living. “When you come to a town or a village, look for a worthy person and stay there until you leave. “As you enter the house, wish it peace. If the people in the house deserve it, your peace will be on them; if they do not deserve it, your blessing will come back to you. “And if you are not welcomed and your words are not listened to, leave that house or that town and shake the dust off your feet. I assure you, it will go easier for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than it will for the people of that town.”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
A penitent surprises a priest by admitting at the confessional that he had killed more than 20 people. “Why did you kill them?” inquires the shocked priest. “Because they said they believed in God”, replies the killer. After a brief silence the penitent asks: “Father, do you really believe that God exists?” The priest stammers and says: “I used to but now, I have my doubts”.
One loses nothing by believing in God when nothing is at stake. But when believing in God demands one’s life, faith shocks. But the shock comes like lightning that brings forth from the ground very healthy and nutritious mushrooms. Gold is tested in fire. Faith similarly tested brings the kingdom of God nearer.
Is the kingdom of God nearer to us because majority of us are Catholics? Not necessarily! Quantity cannot save. Actually one practicing Catholic is enough to bring a whole country near God’s kingdom. When faith is translated into action, sick people experience healing, those who have died unloved come back to life, evil spirits scram and the poor live better lives. These are manifestations of the presence of God’s kingdom.
The sick receive healing when we make this world less stressful. The “living dead” come back to life when we actively campaign against the drugs that nip our young people in the bud. “Lepers” get healing when the outcasts receive their dignity back. Demons scram when we fight against corruption by choosing God-fearing political leaders. Let those who have the faith take the challenge of making the kingdom within reach to everyone. – Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M
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