Lord, show us your mercy and love. — Psalm 85:8
Mass Readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 / Matthew 12:46-50
This year the Jewish calendar’s commemoration of Tish’a b’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, falls on July 20. According to Jewish tradition, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed twice on this day — once by the Babylonians and then by the Romans. It’s the custom among the most observant Jews on this day of mourning to fast and read the Book of Lamentations.
What does this have to do with us Catholics? Well, for one thing, the day can turn our minds to the importance of the Temple in Jesus’ life. As remembered in the fourth and fifth Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, for example, the infant Jesus was presented there and the boy Jesus taught there. There is even an ancient tradition that Mary was brought up within the Temple precincts.
Prayer: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, comfort your people Israel on this day of mourning.