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The mother of our Lord and saviour upon receiving such grace and news of the incarnation did not dwell on the great honour or the elated joy that was bestowed upon on her. Instead she made haste to go on an arduous journey to be of service to her dear aged cousin Elizabeth who was with child. And to share the good news of our Lord!

Our blessed mother brought grace and blessings upon Elizabeth by her visit because she brought with her Jesus! And when she was recognised for being blessed above all women she redirected all glory, all praise, all honour to God for His infinite goodness and love!

Who can be more perfect a christian then our blessed Mother? Always in the background, ever loving and compassionate is she.  Where she walks, where she speaks, where she acts,  the Holy Trinity is always before her. She brings the joy and peace of her son Jesus with her where ever she goes.

Oh dearest blessed mother my mother, ever full of grace, obtain for us the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may be wise with your wisdom, understand with your understanding, know with your knowledge, prudent with your prudence, patient with your patience, courageous with your fortitude and desire always to love and serve your Son Jesus Christ. Amen

(FEAST)
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

GOSPEL
Luke 1:39–56

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Whom do we identify ourselves with more closely? The blind man? The crowd? Or are we Jesus for others?

Have we been blind to our faith all these years? By circumstance? Or by choice? Did we do anything to help ourselves? To grow? To learn? Or did we simply wallow in darkness?

With what little faith we have, do we cry out to Jesus for help? With all our heart? Regardless of what others might say? The crowd who would rather we be silent? Who tell us that it is the norm to be blind to our faith? To continue to be one with them?

Or do we strip ourselves of all insecurity, of all that holds us back and go to Jesus. To ask Him to open our eyes and our hearts to the love of God. To grow in a deeper relationship with Him, so as to honor and serve Him all our lives.

Are we Jesus for others? Do we take the time amidst our busy schedules to stop and help those whose hearts cry out for help to know Him? Who hunger and thirst for the Word? Will we spend our precious time to help them on their journey?

Lord I believe, do thou increase my faith. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:46–52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Aren’t most quarrels whether among family members, friends, church, office or school mates a result of one forcing their will over another?

Of wanting to be right, to be better, stronger, smarter? In essence to be one up? To be on top and to be recognised as such? So much so that often one may lose sight of what is truly important or what truly matters?

In today’s Gospel we are reminded that the way of our loving Saviour is not of this world. His way is true love, through love, in love and with love. A love in service, of service, through service which does not view sacrifice in itself.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:32–45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Are we to abandon our family who need us, to follow Jesus? NO we follow Him by abandoning our worldly views and values.  Jesus is the source of all that is good and we serve Him by bringing all to faith in Him. Instead of allowing our family and friends to influence us with ways of the world, we are to become shepherds for them and lead them on the path of truth and righteousness towards holiness.

Will it be easy and smooth sailing? No, in fact is it not more difficult to lead our own family members who have lapsed in their faith? In spite of the difficulties we encounter along the way in bringing others closer to God our Father, we are assured that Jesus is with us every step of the way. Our reward will be a hundredfold, but need we worry about rewards? Is our reward not in serving our Lord and saviour in itself? When we put Jesus first in our lives, we are first in His.

Lord Jesus lead me always in Your ways so that I may bring our family home to You. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:28–31

Peter began to say to Jesus,‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Do we praise God with our lips and hands but do not glorify Him by the way we live our lives?

Jesus loves us so much, especially when we follow His commandments for we have His peace and love with us. That it moves us to say to Him what next dear Lord? How can we spend eternity with You?

It is true love that sets us free from the bondage of this world, money, status, greed, insatiable sexual appetites! Can we leave all these behind and truly follow Him? To experience God’s greater and deeper love and share this love with others? To know as certainty and with a deep seeded faith that God will provide for what we need?

Many have tried to use the ‘prosperity bible’ to explain away the truth of our Lord. Where are they now? What lives do they lead? If they knew they could save a thousand lives by selling off their expensive real estate? Their cars and expensive lifestyles? Can they do so without batting an eyelid? If they say Yes, why have they not done so? How can they preach love your neighbour when they will not help?  Or if they do barely enough of the needy or the desolate from their own pockets?

Here are some truths to reflect on……When is enough truly enough when you have it and can use it to make more? To do more? To gain more? Can one truly feel for the hungry if one has never experienced hunger? Hunger with no hope of obtaining a morsel needed to curb it? Thirst for water where there is none? Who that have once experienced true hunger and thirst, would not gladly give what they can without a second thought, to anyone who is suffering the same fate now?

Loving Father, we know that it is not Your intent for your children to suffer in misery and hardship. Help us to grow in love and faith so that even as we suffer now, we know it is for a greater good and that Your love for us will always prevail. Teach, guide and give us the courage and strength to follow Your Son Jesus always. We ask this in your Son’s precious name. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:17–27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother.”He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

To walk in the light unto the narrow path is a daily struggle. It is far easier to choose the wider path and stumble into darkness. Darkness envelopes and extinguishes hope. But if the dim candle of faith still flickers on,  I am able to grope my way out into the light. Thank you dear Jesus for the gift of reconciliation. Amen

Catholicjules

See how high spirited children are. They seem to see, touch, feel everything all at once. They speak Not only when spoken to, out of turn and often laugh untamed. Yet are they naughty? Knowingly? Decisively?

How pure is the heart of a young child compared to yours and mine? When almighty and powerful God came to us, why did He humble Himself to come as a child? A baby?

Do we turn away then, one of these? The helpless, the weak? The uninstructed?

Let us embrace children lovingly as we children of God want to be embraced by our loving Father. Let us come to Him with the heart of a child, to have His touch upon us, His grace, His blessings, His love. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:13–16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

In the very beginning of time, God in His infinite wisdom and love had given one woman to one man to be lifelong partners and by His sacred union with them, man and woman becomes procreators hence the joyous miracle of birth. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ elevated this to a sacrament whereby man and woman come together freely and give of themselves freely to one another before Him and human witnesses. The couple the actual ministers thereby enter into a sacramental marriage and the fruits of the Sacrament are the graces needed to raise a family and live up to the marital vows.

What has changed? Was it God that changed and allowed for separation? Why do men and women now have a disordered view on marriage? Man with Man? Woman with Woman? How has the views of men and women changed from being subjects of God and love for one another to that of objects of lust and to be used by one another only for personal gratification? To be discarded when no longer needed or useful? Does it all not stem from our hard heartedness? Our world views? Our resolve to divorce regardless of the costs? Or to enjoin what God has not ordained or blessed?

Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word. (PS 119:169)

GOSPEL Mark 10:1–12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

The passion of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ had secured for us a liberated life as children of God and the promise of eternal life with Him. Do we squabble among ourselves like children of the world, seeking positions and seats of importance? Or do we behave like true children of God?

Do we serve Him by serving one another? Do we seek out in love, the weakest, the least amongst us to serve him? or her?

Do we receive all non-believers in Jesus name? Do we nurture them in Jesus name? Do we love them in Jesus name?

Let us sing….

Children of God that is what we are
Called to love ev’ry one
With our Father’s heart

GOSPEL Mark 9:30–37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

What is our prayer life like? Do we pray with the depths of our faith? Or do we pray with shallow intentions?

When we say Amen receiving the body of Christ, are we truly in communion with one another with Christ as our head? Do we realise that prayer said in communion with one another is the most powerful prayer? Whether we are interceding for one another or praying in union for the kingdom of God? What then is the ‘Prayer of the faithful’?

How would you like to have prayer members come together to pray for serious intentions and not have true faith? Who are skeptical that healing, liberation, deliverance can take place or that any other prayer intentions for that matter will be answered? How would you like to have these members sway the rest?

Jesus is our mediator, our saviour, our healer, our all in all. But because we are one body in Him we too can participate and be witness to His glory in whatever we pray for together as one. When we remain holy, prayerful and when we empty ourselves of all desires except the desire to serve Him and our brethren. There will always be an answer to our prayer for our greater good. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 9:14–29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing skeptical , the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting.”

Are we guilty at times of waiting or wanting others to accompany us before we walk in, with and for the Lord? Must others go through the same suffering? Same trials?

Our Lord Jesus calls all of us individually, to share our unique gifts with others how? when? where? Not up to us and certainly not in our time but in His time..

All we need to do is be ever prepared to say “Here I am Lord! I’ve come to do Your Will.” Amen

GOSPEL John 21:20–25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Do we truly love Jesus? Have put our words to action? Have we been priest, prophet and king for others? Or have we misunderstood ‘king’ for others and Lord ourselves over them?

Have we spent time trying our very best to help the poor and needy? To tend to the old and the sick? To bring hope and comfort to the dying?

Have we shared the living Word with all whom we meet? By our thoughts, words and deeds? Have we set aside time to share our faith with the  young and those new to the faith, being ever patient to guide and teach?

Do we love His lambs, His sheep as our own and more? Do we love ours as His?

Jesus knows our hearts, by and through His love we are assured that by heeding His call, He is with us every step of the way, smooth or rough. By dying to ourselves and for Him, we will rise with Him to new life. Amen

GOSPEL John 21:15–19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Oh what love! You shower upon sweet Jesus that You continue to pray for our unity and not only ours but all who have come to know and love you by our participation in sharing Your love, Your Word.

Oh loving Father may we manifest your Glory by using the Gifts and Graces you bestow on us through Your Son Jesus who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God as it was in the beginning of time. To gather Your people together and to guide them into your heavenly Kingdom.

Thank you for allowing us to bear witness to Your Glory in the many signs, wonders and miracles that accompanies us by being on Your mission, when we answer Your call. Thank You Father for allowing us to witness the transformation and liberation of heavy hearts downtrodden by sin. For allowing us to see the fruits we bear and of others by living according to Your Word. All Glory and Praise be Yours always and forever. Amen

GOSPEL
John 17:20–26

20 “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26 I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Let us reflect today on what separates us from one another….

Is it only our worldliness and desires? The sins and temptations we give in to? Our unspoken thoughts, words of spiritual superiority and spiritual arrogance? Where we feel we are more knowledgeable, more holy, more industrious than others in matters of faith and morals? When we refuse to participate in any Church related, Ministry related, activities or outreach programs because we see no personal benefit, recognition or compensation for our hard working efforts and sacrifice? When we put self before others? When we schedule only personal and family time and neglect community time? Who stands to gain from our separation? Our disunity? It is not the fallen one?

Jesus today and everyday wants us to be united, ONE united together in Him. He loves and wants to protect us like a loving shepherd who watches closely after his sheep. And because we who choose to live through, with and in Him and NOT in the World, we live separate from the World who hates us.  Jesus gives of Himself to us in His Word, His truth, His love, His body and blood in the Eucharist to strengthen and nourish us.  So that together with Him we can work together in unity to build the kingdom of our loving Father in heaven.  Amen

GOSPEL John 17:11b–19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

I don’t know why?! Even though I keep telling myself that I want to change and to follow Christ, I still find myself falling into temptation, I seem to have anger issues. Or I am constantly depressed and overwhelmed. Why is it so difficult to overcome sin? Why do I not make any headway in my prayer life? Why do I see others who seem to be constantly at peace and happy? How do they have that? Is it just a facade?

Our ever loving God tell us today through Jesus our Lord and saviour, that the key to complete peace and joy is to Remain in His love.  How? Simply to keep His commandments. What are His commandments? To love God with our all and to love one another as He has loved us. In other words to love one another with His divine love. Love which is not just an emotion, a love which is all encompassing, a love rooted in sacrifice and service, a love given freely with no expectation of return, a love which builds above and beyond, a love which comes from loving God with all our heart, all our minds and all our soul.

If we love the way we are called to do, how can we then not bear fruit? How can we not share His love for us with others? So that they too will have complete peace and joy in their lives? How can we not bear witness to so great a love? The love of our God, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?

What other belief system? What other faith? What other religion?  Has so loving a God? One loving, divine omniscient and all power being that promises that if we truly follow Him and remain in His love, we are no longer servants/slaves but friends of His?

With God as our friend, what have we to fear? To worry about? Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

GOSPEL John 15:9–17

Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

How deep are we in our faith and relationship with Jesus? Will we flee and cower in fear when trouble assails us? Are we easily discouraged?

For those of us strengthened by our faith in Christ. Who rejoice in His love and peace. Do we share our hope and faith to those who have none? Who do not yet know Him? Who are driven to despair?

Jesus assures us today that we are never alone in our journey to live our lives according to His Word. Our God is with us always. With this in mind how can we not be brave? What is there for us to fear?

Be with us Lord today and everyday of our lives till we are with you for all eternity. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:29–33

The disciples said to Jesus,“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Asks the world as to what constitutes the greatest gifts or wants, you’ll likely hear Fame! Success! Fortune! Sex!

What did the Apostles ask God for? We know from scripture and sacred tradition that they were never wealthy and sought neither fame or fortune. They sought only to serve the Lord! When they prayed in Jesus name they prayed for healing for others, they freed men and women from evil spirits and demons and more. Great miracles were worked through them by the power and Graces bestowed to them by God.

All the promises of God our Father is fulfilled in Jesus.

Glory to You oh Lord, our God! Grant us all who love you dearly whatever is necessary to do Your Will. In Jesus name.. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:23b–28

Jesus said to his disciples:“Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Ever so often many of us wait till we have dilemmas or tragedies happen before we turn to God to seek comfort, even answers. Is it not sad that we had missed an opportunity to be in a beautiful long lasting relationship where even in the face of adversity we have hope and peace.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to go through trials and suffering so that we may be purged of all that is unholy, of our spiritual arrogance and to be purified and strengthened by the graces God will bestow upon us.  We learn to see that joy, is often found to be sorrow unmasked in Christ.

Even in times when it is pitch dark and we feel so very alone and afraid, the light of our faith can still shine bright because we know in certitude that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus is with us at every moment guiding us and leading us out of the darkness.  He alone can calm the stormy seas of our lives with His Word.

We also know that when we choose to love and serve our God, anything we ask in Jesus name God will provide.

Our hearts are filled with joy as we rejoice in You our Lord and God. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:20–23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

When we leave every meeting or encounter with friends, family, loved ones and even new acquaintances. Have we distanced ourselves completely? Or have we left behind a lasting impression? Have we left an impression of Christ in their midst?

Jesus did not distance Himself from us by His ascension, instead He brings closer to Him by preparing our rooms with Him and in Him.  He is with us now in a far greater way that we can ever hope to fully fathom. In the Eucharist, in our hearts, in our body, mind and spirit.  We embrace this truth when we live according to His Word. How can we not share this great love?

How can we preach in His name repentance, forgiveness and the peace and joy of encountering our Lord Jesus if we ourselves do not make the daily effort to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospels?

We are called to share the TRUTH of the incarnation of Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection. By our lives and by our love, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will lead all nations into the lasting hope, peace, love and joy we have in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen

Today’s Gospel Luke 24:44–53

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Aren’t  we often impatient warning to know and understand our faith at an instant? Looking for quick solutions, even praying for the Holy Spirit to hasten our knowledge and understanding? Or wanting to reap the fruits of our labour before they are ripe? Sharing Jesus with nonbelievers or fallen away believers and disheartened that the seed had not taken root?

All in God’s time which is always a good time! St Paul reminds us in 1 Cor 13:4-7, love is patient and it rejoices in the truth.  Where does faith, knowledge and truth stem from? Is it not from the one true source of Love, our one triune and ever living God?

From the hands of Jesus His Spirit, His love is poured out on us, what measure are we ready to bear? Amen

John 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples:“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

We are grief stricken when we live in sin or it can strike us when our faith is weak and immature.

The flesh has to die so that the spirit may truly live.  Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to us and through Him we are transformed, we are perfected. His innumerable gifts allows for us to strengthen our brethren, to heal and bring hope where there is none. To lead His lost sheep back into the fold.

How many of us have died to ourselves to receive Him? To encounter Him? To be guided by Him?

GOSPEL John 16:5–11

Jesus said to his disciples:“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Not all of us are called to be teachers or preachers, but all of us can give testimony as to how Jesus has changed our lives can we not? We can share how His love has filled us with peace and joy in our lives. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us so that we can give others hope for the love that we possess through Jesus.

The WORLD would rather we be silent, timid even afraid! Jesus tells us to be steadfast and strong for we have a powerful advocate with us who will guide us every step of the way.  Many will persecute us for our faith in the Lord, some even thinking they know God better, claiming to know what He wants and does not want. But we know our Shepherd’s voice and we follow Him. He alone will lead us home to our heavenly inheritance. Amen

GOSPEL John 15:26B16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

It is a dog eat dog world! Survival of the fittest! Success is dollars and cents and how you make it. A woman’s external beauty is her fortune and so must do whatever she can to preserve it. Abortion is my choice to make not the foetus /child !  It is my life, If I choose to have a same sex partner and want to get married no one should have the right to stop me! These are just a few voices of the world demanding we follow them so that we may all live in happiness in unity with them. Woe to us if we live according to our faith in Christ.

Jesus offers us true joy, peace and love. Life to the full. But His voice, His way is not of the world. There will be persecution here on earth, but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will be with us every step of the way.

Do we follow the world or do we follow Christ? We can choose only one…..

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Amen

GOSPEL John 15:18–21

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, [your name]?”

How well do I know my Lord and saviour? What has Jesus spoken to me today? If He hasn’t, then why? Have I prepared myself to hear Him?

What great things have we done for God or for our brethren today? What is great in our eyes is often Not. What is little in our eyes could be great in God’s. Do we always try our very best to do what is pleasing to God our Father and not what is pleasing to us?

Lord Jesus, I love you and long to know You more and more each passing day. Help me in my daily struggle to resist sin so that I may always walk in Your light and do what is pleasing to you. In your most precious name who reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL John 14:6–14

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

What is joy? Is it not peace and love combined? And yet the joy of Jesus which He offers us is all this and much more. True joy that yearns for nothing, wants nothing, lacks nothing.

Keeping His Word close to our hearts, keeping His commandments and living according to His Word we remain in His love.
How blessed we are to have such a loving God! Praise and Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

GOSPEL John 15:9–11

Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Are we indifferent towards our faith? Are we complacent? Are we disinterested? Or are we fruitful?

Being deeply connected to Jesus our bridegroom we are bound to bear fruits, it is a surety while our abundance is measured by our faith and works combined.  The heavier the weight of the cross we shoulder to accomplish His mission for us, the more fruitful we are. In time the lighter our burden till we once again embark on another mission.

Separated from Jesus another surety is we will eventually wither and die.

Gospel John 15:1–8

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.