Sunday, August 16, 2020

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In other years: Saint Stephen of Hungary (969-1038)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 61:6-14
Mass: Is 56, 1, 6-7; Resp Ps 67; Rm 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28


May all the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you!

HEART OF JESUS, PATIENT AND FULL OF MERCY,
HAVE MERCY ON US.

Inspired by the Canaanite woman in today's Gospel, who presents her humble and transparent self to Jesus, the Divine Physician, I think of something Sister Mary Wendy Beckett (1930-2018) wrote about prayer. You've seen it here before: "The essential act of prayer is to stand unprotected before God. What will God do? He will take possession of us. That he should do this is the whole purpose of life." May we stand unprotected before God then, or as Pope Francis said in today's Angelus Address, "as we are, without make-up." So "let us go to Jesus, knock on Jesus' heart and say to Him, 'Lord, if you will it, you can heal me'" (Pope Francis). O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish (Mt 15:28). I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. Please take possession of me.

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY,
PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: From JD in Oregon. Beauty at the Milk Ranch.

© Gertrude Feick 2020

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