First reading Ecclesiasticus 44:1,10-15
Their name lives on for all generations
Let us praise illustrious men,
our ancestors in their successive generations.
Here is a list of generous men
whose good works have not been forgotten.
In their descendants there remains
a rich inheritance born of them.
Their descendants stand by the covenants
and, thanks to them, so do their children’s children.
Their offspring will last for ever,
their glory will not fade.
Their bodies have been buried in peace,
and their name lives on for all generations.
The peoples will proclaim their wisdom,
the assembly will celebrate their praises.
Responsorial Psalm 131(132):11,13-14,17-18
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.
The Lord swore an oath to David;
he will not go back on this word:
‘A son, the fruit of your body,
will I set upon your throne.’
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling:
‘This is my resting-place for ever;
here have I chosen to live.
‘There David’s stock will flower;
I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.
I will cover his enemies with shame
but on him my crown shall shine.’
Gospel Matthew 13:16-17
Prophets and holy men longed to hear what you hear
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’
______________________________________________
Blessed are you who see and hear!
In today’s gospel, Jesus rejoiced over the eyes of faith that see and ears of faith that hear. Many people went to hear His teachings and saw His actions of love, but few people truly perceived God’s living presence in all He said and did.
Today, we are blessed when we have eyes and ears of faith to recognize Jesus’ presence with us. Today, as we celebrate the feast of SS. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus, we also give thanks to all the people, be it our grandparents, parents, teachers, friends, who have shared their faith with us and helped us in our journey of knowing and loving God. SS. Joachim and Anne were people of faith whose lives inspired Mary and Jesus to live a life fully dedicated to God. Like them, may our faith inspire others to come to know God more and live their lives for Him.
Question for reflection:
What strikes me as I pray with the passage today?
What strikes me as I pray with the passage today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
