Monday July 19, 2021 - Sixteenth week of Ordinary Time - Today do not close your heart, but listen to the voice of the Lord - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 12, 38-42

In the face of these ubiquitous events that occur in society, such as disasters or potential blessings in everyday life, it is found that people are more likely to want to see firsthand and because they are better off witnessing. rather than narrate. But for God, it is not so, but the eye of faith will see and reflect His presence and love, not so much the signs. Because it is not the abundance of signs or the appearance of miraculous signs that produces and sprouts faith and inspires us to repent, but an open heart and a willingness to receive the message of God, which the messengers preach.

Jesus explains this further, and bears witness to us who listen to Him, as did the people of Nineveh. God sent Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh that Nineveh would be destroyed because of the wickedness of the people there. But Jonah came to them only once, only passing by, because he went through the city without stopping preaching the message of God. When the people heard Jonah preach, they repented and were converted to God's ways. So while Jonah expected destruction for this sinful city, God responded with mercy to their repentance. St. Augustine's words seem to remind us, "It is easy for God to withhold His wrath, but it is difficult for God to withhold His mercy." It is not works that command the law, says St. Paul, but our faith in Jesus Christ.

Brethren, the second witness that Jesus receives in the Gospel today, declares that signs are not necessary for those who can observe the facts because in them is God, the King of the South. He did not hesitate to approach Solomon to hear his wisdom because he believed it was from God and he needed it too. So it is not the visible or tangible signs that are important to God, but faith and obedience to Him, that will bring salvation, but by rejecting Him we inherit death.

Give us faith to strengthen us who are weak. But nothing is impossible for everyone who believes. And because of your word, Lord, we do your will. Amen!

Diocese of Miarinarivo

Pope Francis has accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the Diocese of Miarinarivo, presented by H.E. Mgr Jean Claude Randrianarisoa. At the same time, the Supreme Pontiff has appointed H.E. Mgr Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, as Apostolic Admnistrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the same Diocese.

Read more ...

Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

Read more ...

Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

Read more ...