Friday 6th July, 2012
St Maria Goretti. DAY OF PENANCE. Amos 8:4–6, 9–12. No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God—Ps 118(119):2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131. Matthew 9:9–13.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick.’

Amos’ words are for us today. None of us can deny having knowledge of the widespread poverty in our world, of the ‘trampling on the needy’, of the persecution of millions of our fellow human beings, and of our ambition for material wealth. We live in darkness, in spiritual poverty and wonder why we encounter many difficulties.

How closely do we live with Jesus, who came and lived among us, eating with sinners, healing all who were sick, giving us the example of a life lived in peace and harmony? Can we learn to ‘walk in the Law of the Lord’ as Jesus did?

Lord, give me the strength to acknowledge my sinfulness, to reflect honestly on my way of life, and, with God’s grace, to make whatever changes I am called to make.