Faith Daily | 28 July 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p565

O God, the protector of all that trust in you,

without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:

increase and multiply upon us your mercy,

that, with you as our ruler and guide,

we may so pass through things temporal

that we finally lose not the things eternal.

Grant this, O heavenly Father,

for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 13: 54-58

54He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 55Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” 57And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” 58And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Anne Macronald

The people from the hometown of Jesus could not imagine or believe that a carpenter’s son could speak words of wisdom. They thought they knew everything about him and were not prepared to follow his teachings.

We can so easily ignore or despise what is familiar. As happened to Jesus just because they knew him.

Am I sure I know Jesus so well I cannot know him better? Have I lost the ability to be surprised by Jesus and his demands on me? I ask to be open to his presence and to hear his calling.

We are in a world filled with mass prejudices, of increased racial tensions.

Brother Luke Ditewig wrote

“The very being of God is community: The Father, Son and Spirit are one in reciprocal self giving and love.

We are created to love mutually, to walk together, share, listen, teach and encourage. In our brokenness much can make us feel alienated, disconnected and cut off. Choosing to turn towards eaOch other to connect, welcome and share heals and transforms.

Life is about transformation, continual progression, ongoing conversion. God continually calls us onward into more together”.

An example of true community in action was our recent event for the people of Ukraine. All who contributed came with their own abilities and talents and together became a whole.

FINAL PRAYER Janet Morley, Christian Aid 1990

O God, the source of our common life,

when we are dry and scattered,

when we are divided and alone,

we long for connection, we long for community.

Breath of God, breathe on us.

With those we live beside,

who are often strange to us,

whom we may be afraid to approach,

yet who have riches of friendship to share,

we long for connection, we long for community.

Breath of God, breathe on us.

Amen.