Monday 16th July, 2012
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Isaiah 1:10–17. To the upright I will show the saving power of God—Ps 49(50):8–9, 16–17, 21, 23. Matthew 10:34–11:1.

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

Learn to do good and search for justice.

Dear Lord, at first glance all the readings today are very daunting. Isaiah tells us of God thundering on about rejecting all sacrifices, the psalmist says that God doesn’t want any more bulls or goats and you tell us that you have come to bring a sword not peace. But we know you better than that.

You also tell us that we must put you first, and we do that by doing what Isaiah and the psalmist suggest. That is to put others first, not to whinge, and to do good—to look on others with love. We have to be reminded that outward trappings are not much use, for the kingdom of heaven is within. It is by loving others that we love you better.