July 17, 2015 Friday: 17th Week in Ordinary Time
July 17, 2015 Friday: 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Exodus 11:10—12:14
Although Moses and Aaron performed various wonders in Pharaoh’s presence, the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate, and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land...
Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household... it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight. They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb. That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
The Blessing of Gratitude
Today’s passage from the Book of Exodus echoes the first reading for the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper that begins the Holy Week Triduum. It connects the Hebrew people’s celebration of Passover and their exodus from Egypt to Jesus’ passover meal with his disciples. This mid-July summer day offers a great opportunity to bless God for the gift of Jesus’ body and blood which we share at Mass. As we bless God for the daily gifts and graces that come our way, we also hold up to the Lord whatever “exodus” may be going on in our personal and family lives.
Psalm 116 offers a template for reflection and prayer: how can I properly thank the Lord for all the good things that come into my life—my time and talents, the gift of my family, my work—yes the challenges but also the blessing of these summer days? Gratitude is one of God’s special gifts. What am I truly grateful for today? How can I offer such blessings and gifts to those I live with, work with, run across throughout this day?
www.jesuitprayer.org
Exodus 11:10—12:14
Although Moses and Aaron performed various wonders in Pharaoh’s presence, the LORD made Pharaoh obstinate, and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land...
Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household... it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight. They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb. That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
The Blessing of Gratitude
Today’s passage from the Book of Exodus echoes the first reading for the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper that begins the Holy Week Triduum. It connects the Hebrew people’s celebration of Passover and their exodus from Egypt to Jesus’ passover meal with his disciples. This mid-July summer day offers a great opportunity to bless God for the gift of Jesus’ body and blood which we share at Mass. As we bless God for the daily gifts and graces that come our way, we also hold up to the Lord whatever “exodus” may be going on in our personal and family lives.
Psalm 116 offers a template for reflection and prayer: how can I properly thank the Lord for all the good things that come into my life—my time and talents, the gift of my family, my work—yes the challenges but also the blessing of these summer days? Gratitude is one of God’s special gifts. What am I truly grateful for today? How can I offer such blessings and gifts to those I live with, work with, run across throughout this day?
www.jesuitprayer.org
