18th Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 12th August 2023

The reading from Deuteronomy begins an important prayer in Jewish tradition – the Shema, meaning ‘Hear!’ What God was saying through Moses to the Hebrew people is good advice for us today. We also are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind – Jesus taught that this was the first of two commandments we are to follow. We also must share these words with others and live by them. If we love God and others, then we will live in gratitude to God for all that God has provided. The Shema is a guide for all to follow.

Earlier, the disciples had been unable to heal a boy of a demon, so the boy’s father approached Jesus to ask Him to heal his son. Jesus healed him without delay. Later the disciples asked why they had been unsuccessful. Jesus responded very directly. He told the disciples that they didn’t have enough faith. A person only needs a very small amount of faith, the size of a tiny mustard seed, to be able to do marvellous things. But we must remember that we must act within the Will of God.

Lord, help me to follow Your will and Your way.