16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

 Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 Sunday July 23^rd 2023

 Our Merciful Judge

“Listen, anyone who has ears.” We live in a world of constant sound and yet we are not all that good at listening. Take a few moments as you read this to listen to the sounds around you. What do you hear? Listen to the sounds within you. What do you hear? A lot of the time what we hear is discordant noise and yet what Jesus wants us to hear is the love of God that is all around us and within us and between us. We will hear that sound if we listen carefully enough with our hearts and minds. Listen especially to the beautiful sounds of your love for one another in marriage and/or family life. It is so easy to get into a pattern of not listening in these sacred places. Listen also to the goodness of the people who make up your faith community so that you can become aware of Christ who lives in them. And listen this week to the needs of the people around you so that you can respond to those needs in love.

 Morning Prayer, when together

Lord, be merciful to your people.

Fill us with your gifts

and make us always eager to serve you

in faith, hope, and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 During the day, when apart

Lord, bring us closer to salvation

through our love for each other this week.

Bless our love with happiness and peace.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

 Evening/Night Prayer together

Merciful Father, give us a new sense of purpose

in our love for each other

and bring us to a new life in you.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage: What special surprise could you give your wife/husband this week?

For others: Think of someone who is housebound.  How could you help that person this week?