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How naive was I Lord that being forgiven with guilt removed I didn’t see the need to make restitution; do penance. It all seemed arbitrary!

I now see the wisdom and beauty of Your call to repentance in which penance complements and completes it. If done properly by working towards and through it in love and deep reflection, it helps eradicate the hold of sins and addictions to some. Otherwise the next time we fall, we may never get up or it may prove very much more difficult.

Let me never forget that Sin is never a private affair. It hurts and damages relationships, it breaks Communion with You and with one another. Lord Jesus in Your mercy strengthen me against all temptations to Sin. With You on my side what evil can ever hope to prevail? Let me always remain in Communion with You physically and/or spiritually. Let me always walk in Your light and on the narrow path. And let me lead others to do likewise. Amen.

FIRST READING
Joel 1:13–15; 2:1–2

GOSPEL
Luke 11:15–26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said:
“By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Yes Lord I recall my arrogance, irreverence and selfishness. If anyone asked me to rank the importance of things or people in my life, I would always be quick to say God, family, friends, others then me. But the way I led my life was contrary to my declaration.

Forgive me my loving Father but You were often missing from my mind in anything and everything I did, lest there was a crisis. Never mind strangers, I was equally selfish if not more so to my family members. And if I did anything for a friend, it was likely that I would be hoping for a favour to be returned some day.

I was indeed lacking in love and charity. “Why can’t you get it yourself?” or “Can’t you ask someone else who has more time?” “Do you think money grows on trees?” I might say from time to time. Still I might give a little reluctantly if they nagged me enough.

With a grateful heart, I give You thanks and praise loving and ever generous Father. For You have shown me such great love and generosity that I cannot do any less for my brethren. You have taught and shown me that in giving generously, wholly of oneself, and with no expectations; there is much spiritual growth and rewards.

Oh what Blessed assurance You give me, that all my prayers will be answered according to Your Will and Your love for me! And so even if the answer to my prayer is No, I will give You thanks and praise. Amen

FIRST READING
Malachi 3:13–20b

GOSPEL
Luke 11:5–13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”