Thursday August 19, 2021 - Twentieth week in Ordinary Time - Today do not close your heart, but listen to the voice of the Lord - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22, 1-14

It is Jewish custom to compare the kingdom of God to a wedding feast and Christ is no exception, he takes up this image in his teaching.

In this parable, the host, the one who invites is God the Father and the guests who did not deign to respond to the invitation represent the Jewish people who ignored the envoy of God. The host shows, by his invitation, a sign of affection, of the very love to which the guests respond only with disdain, indifference. We too often prefer to go about our business rather than respond to the call of God who created us. Not at all discouraged by this situation, God never ceases to dispense his love. With the same enthusiasm, Christ sends his disciples. Envoys who are no longer content with the Jews alone, but open themselves to all humanity, including the poor and the destitute.

Indeed, the love of God, for us men, is immeasurable. His invitation is addressed to everyone, but there is only one condition for taking part in the feast: to wear the wedding garment.

According to Saint Gregory the Great, only those who have faith can enter the wedding feast. But that is not enough, we must wear the wedding garment, namely love: love for God first and love for neighbor then. Faith and love are therefore inseparable to access the kingdom of God.

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.

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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.

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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.

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