DAILY BREAD
Reprinted with Permission

Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Mon., July 5: Hos 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22; Matt 9:18-26
A woman suffering hemorrhages for 12 years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. We learn from Mosaic Law that tassels on garments reminded the faithful to keep the commandments. Jesus not only cures the woman who touches the tassels on his cloak but also comments on how her faith has saved her. From Jesus’ words, and from her gesture of touching the tassels, we can infer that both belief and observance of the commandments play key roles in this miracle. We can also dismiss the idea that the woman’s affliction lies in sinfulness, a theme in some other healing stories. This story shows the power of God and honorable living. Her example shows us to accept the crosses of our daily lives, faithfully and humbly, and to hold steady. The woman suffers a persistent ailment, yet she retains her faith and keeps the commandments. In our own times of suffering and pain, may we continue to trust in the Lord and reach out to meet his healing touch. Lord, give us the grace to know which infirmities only you can heal, we pray.

Tues., July 6: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13; Matt 9:32-38
But the Pharisees said, ‘He drives out demons by the prince of demons.’The Pharisees’ malicious charge against Jesus makes little sense. Jesus drives the demon from the once-mute man, relieves him of his affliction and returns his ability to speak. Instead of using their own gift of speech to offer praise for this miracle, the Pharisees charge Jesus with using evil to achieve good. They don’t deny his success, but they condemn his supposed method. They are unable to see the incongruity of using the power of darkness to bring light — making it more obvious how they use their own darkness to cause division and confusion. Lord, may our words reflect truth and light, we pray.

Wed., July 7: Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Matt 10:1-7
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.We cannot take these instructions as a restriction on who should receive the message of the kingdom. Several factors limited Jesus’ earthly ministry, but as we can see, Jesus’ teaching was not limited to the Twelve Apostles or to those whom they directly visited. We weren’t named among the Twelve, but we cannot take that as an excuse not to proclaim the good news. We, too, have been given authority to continue the missionary activity of the Church. We must listen for the summons that the apostles first heard and take up their actions, which were modeled on Jesus’ own. We cannot get lost in all the distractions of modern living or live in isolation from those who are different or distant. Too many lost sheep already wait to be called. Send us forth, Lord, to do your will, we pray.

Thurs., July 8: Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9; Matt 10:7-15
Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.There certainly is a benefit to planning ahead and being prepared. However, we can’t look so far into the future that we miss the opportunities of today. When we’re constantly looking ahead, we neglect to live with urgency. We become comfortable and complacent and even lazy. If we lose the ability to live with an awareness of suffering around us now, how can we develop a consciousness of the coming kingdom? We like to consider ourselves organized, but for what are we getting ready? Give us a sense of purpose, Lord, we pray.

Fri., July 9: Hos 14:2-10; Matt 10:16-23
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Even the most gifted speakers find themselves at a loss for words every now and then. In moments of extreme fear, profound grief or immeasurable joy we struggle to formulate ideas that relay the proper sentiment. In these moments it’s often best to be silent and allow the wisdom and eloquence of the Holy Spirit to enter us. Instead of grasping for our own words, we must trust that the Spirit will speak to us and for us. Come, Holy Spirit, we pray.

Sat., July 10: Isa 6:1-8; Matt 10:24-33
Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or secret that will not be known.We are curious by nature. We hate uncertainty. If we can’t answer a question, we Google it or phone a friend. We can’t understand the mysterious ways of God — and this leaves us less than content. But God is not keeping anything from us. Those things that keep us from the Lord … those are what impede our ability to comprehend all he wants us to know. Show us your ways, O Lord, we pray.

Weekday Mass Intentions

Monday July 5th
  7:00 AM    Connie Kovac
12:15 PM    Cielo and Francisco Figueroa
Tuesday July 6th
  7:00 AM    Louis Wisnewski
12:15 PM    Thomas O’Rourke
Wednesday July 7th
  7:00 AM    William Boltz      
12:15 PM    Gracia and Miguel Cruz
Thursday July 8th
  7:00 AM   Noreen McCormack (L)   
12:15 PM   Angela and Ramon Cruz
Friday July 9th
  7:00 AM   Mary Boltz
12:15 PM   Eleanor Cobert
Saturday July 10th
  8:00 AM    Patrick A. McNamara
12:15 PM    Margaret Waterston (L)
  4:00 PM    Joseph Giaquinto
Sunday July 11th
  8:00 AM    Christel Box
  9:45 AM    St. Joseph’s Parishioners
11:00 AM    Barbara Alapack
12:30 PM    Helen Daly
  6:00 PM    Kevin Naccari

This Week At St. Joseph's

Tuesday, July 6th
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Lending Library Parish House
Wednesday, July 7th
7:30 PM – AA Parish Hall
Thursday, July 8th
6:30 PM Rosary Prayer Group in Church
Friday, July 9th
7:30 PM – NA Parish Hall
Saturday, July 10th
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Lending Library Parish House