Friday of week 13 in Ordinary Time 

Genesis 23:1-4,​19,​24:1-8,​62-67
Psalm 105(106):1-5
Matthew 9:9-13

EMBRACE THE LOVE OF GOD AND UNLOCK THE DOOR TO TRUE BLESSINGS

In today’s captivating first reading, we find ourselves in a poignant moment: after the passing of Sarah, Abraham, filled with love and longing, embarks on a heartfelt journey to console his son Isaac. He sends his most trusted servant on a remarkable mission to find a worthy bride from his homeland. But wait—God intervenes, honoring His unwavering promise to Abraham, and in that divine moment, history begins to unfold through their union! When we embrace God’s promises and faithfully follow His word, we unlock the door to true blessings.

Then we have the extraordinary calling of Matthew! A skilled accountant turned disciple, he was saved by grace and went on to make his mark as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. His life, a testament to transformation, culminated in his sacrifice for Christ, his beloved Master.

Christ stands as the perfect embodiment of trust and obedience to God’s will. He calls out to us today, saying, “I have come not for the righteous, but for sinners.” Each of us is a sinner in need of His boundless mercy, and He is here to aid us in our daily battles and aspirations. He has come to save you and me!

Jesus offers us His incredible peace—a peace that transcends mere tranquility or the absence of turmoil. This is a profound peace rooted in the assurance that God is with us in every moment, in all aspects of life, showering us with love that knows no bounds. As modern-day disciples, we turn to the Cross of Jesus, passionately seeking liberation from the frenetic pace of life, the uncertainties that plague us, and the suffering that burdens our hearts. In a world filled with fear, violence, and death, His unconditional love envelopes us in peace, offering presence, freedom, and redemption. This transforms our daily challenges into remarkable blessings, much like the sacred journey of the holy women and men who came before us.

Today, let us lift our voices in prayer, asking God to bless the fruitful works of our hands and to enrich our vocations with unwavering faithfulness and boundless love!

Fr Joseph Osho