FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

FRIDAY WEEK 24 IN ORDINARY TIME : Universalis

The women who accompanied Jesus

Reading 1 Timothy 6:2-12 We brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it

This is what you are to teach the brothers to believe and persuade them to do. Anyone who teaches anything different, and does not keep to the sound teaching which is that of our Lord Jesus Christ, the doctrine which is in accordance with true religion, is simply ignorant and must be full of self-conceit – with a craze for questioning everything and arguing about words. All that can come of this is jealousy, contention, abuse and wicked mistrust of one another; and unending disputes by people who are neither rational nor informed and imagine that religion is a way of making a profit. Religion, of course, does bring large profits, but only to those who are content with what they have. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it; but as long as we have food and clothing, let us be content with that. People who long to be rich are a prey to temptation; they get trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambitions which eventually plunge them into ruin and destruction. ‘The love of money is the root of all evils’ and there are some who, pursuing it, have wandered away from the faith, and so given their souls any number of fatal wounds. 

But, as a man dedicated to God, you must avoid all that. You must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle. Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself the eternal life to which you were called when you made your profession and spoke up for the truth in front of many witnesses.

Responsorial Psalm: How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Gospel Luke 8:1-3 The women who accompanied Jesus

CDR: Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and several others who provided for them out of their own resources.

Loving Father how happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. My Father, my God make me accept your teaching, and to obey your commandments. Help me listen to Christ's command, the doctrine which is in accordance with true religion. Father make me humble to accept teachings of Christ's representatives here on earth beginning from his Apostles, Disciples, Priests and Religious. Remove from me every craze for questioning everything and inordinate arguments. Remove from me jealousy, contention, abuse and wicked mistrust. Father remove any form of disputes from me. Make me understand that religion is call to service, and not self serving. Give me spirit of contentment and thanksgiving. Do not make me prey to temptation for people who long to be rich are trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambition that leads to ruin and destruction. Save me my God, my Father for the love of money is the root of all evils. Do not make me wander away from the true faith. Save me Father as I dedicate myself to you. My aim is the crown of glory, that I may be with you for eternity. 

Lord Jesus I trust in you. Lord you have called everyone to be your disciple. Today's Gospel, women provided from their resources. Make me generous in my contribution for the need of the Church and humanity. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Angels and Saints pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Holy Queen. Hail Blessed Mother of my Lord and Saviour.