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When we think ourselves wiser, more industrious, even holier our downfall begins. By comparing and judging we render ourselves unworthy to serve our Lord and we fall from His Graces and peace. Let us instead serve Him and our brethren with integrity and loving humility. One body in Christ…

Marriage is sacred because it is a love union of one man and one woman blessed and sanctified by God. According to His Will, together in perfect union (two become one body) with Him become procreators to bring forth life. In love they lead one another together with their children closer to God and His kingdom. How can we not cherish this sacrament of love?

Let us lead faithful lives in perfect communion with our one triune God. Amen

First Reading
James  5:9-12

Gospel
Mk 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.”

It is a truth and a fact that we are all going to die. A certainty beyond our control. Some sooner then later yet with most not knowing the circumstance. However what we do or how we live our lives will determine our choice of eternal life or death. A life with God or a permanent separation from Him.

Most if not all adults upon deep introspection and reflection have lived both self giving, loving as well as selfish, self centred lives at one time or another. But do we recollect the fond memories of the peace, love and joy the former brought us even though it was harder? Can we even recall if the latter brought us any happiness and if it did was it not fleeting?

Let us lead our lives worthy of being called the children of God, created in His image and likeness. To lead one another closer to Him by our love and care. To guard ourselves against sin and to be faithful to God’s Word. Amen

FIRST READING
James 5:1–6

GOSPEL
Mark 9:41–50

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

“All in due time…” , “when the time is right..” “When I retire.. “” After I’ve made my first million..” Only then will we have time to do the Will of God? What if tonight we draw our last breath?

Rather let us live in God’s time, His Will be done. What then could be of worry to us? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

So wonderful and powerful is the name of our Lord that whosoever believes in Him with all their heart and does His Will can do mighty deeds in His name.

Let all who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, who love and serve our brethren; stand united as we wear the name engraved in our hearts, Christian! A disciple of Jesus. Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:13–17

GOSPEL
Mark 9:38–40

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

Living in the world it is easy to see how much self centredness, selfishness exist. People want what they want and are often not patient about it. If things don’t go as planned or if they don’t get what they want, they are sometimes even willing to kill for it. They want not to lead but rather to dominate. They have a primal need to display their prowess and it is important that others bow down before them. They live for themselves yet do they still question, “Where is God?”

Why will we ever have a need to attend leadership courses? When we can learn from the best that ever lived, that ever is and will ever be; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If only we would open our hearts to listen!

Are we truly children of God? Do we spend time gazing into our heavenly Father’s eyes in prayer and contemplation? Do we seek His Counsel in all aspects of our life? Are our hearts filled with joy in unity with all of His children?

Let us with one voice declare, “I am a child of God together with my brethren. I seek to lead all His children home to Him.” Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:1–10

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.”

Pride, self importance, self ambitions and the wisdom of the world are some of the tools of the evil one. We are robbed of our peace when we succumb to them. Even amidst an injustice done against us we should seek the Lord’s wisdom so as not to allow evil to prevail over us. The Lord’s peace is upon us regardless the outcome.

Let us never put our Lord to the test but in proper reverance and love for Him seek to grow in faith. Such faith that can move mountains for all things are possible with our Lord. And as we grow in faith let us constantly empty ourselves of all that is worldly and in prayer come before Jesus, so that He can fill us with His grace. He hears, heals and answers our prayers. Amen

FIRST READING
James 3:13–18

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 him, 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.”

Oh how much hurt and pain we cause by our words! Oh how sharp our tongues that we have caused the death of the spirit in some! We can choose instead to remain with and in our Lord Jesus Christ by being slow to speak, to reflect on Him and His Word and to speak lovingly through His grace.

Let us go often before our Lord Jesus to be transformed by Him to be made pure; so that we can go down the mountain to be His light for all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

Let us also keep our Holy Father Pope Francis in our prayers…..

(Feast Of The Chair Of St Peter)

FIRST READING
James 3:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 9:2–13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Are we armchair Christians? Do we pray and love from afar? Do we avoid all forms of conflict or resistance, even if practices are against our faith so as to keep the ‘peace’? Do we offer a few dollars for the poor, aged and sick but spend no time with them?

The World wants us to avoid the ‘heavy’ burden of the Cross so that we can run free and be free to do as we please. To experience all the World has to offer, lots of money, luxury, unbridled sex and other such ‘nectars’ of life! Soon the noose tightens and it’s too late…

The reality is that the weight of the World weighs us down while it is the Cross of Christ that liberates us. The burdens we carry and Yes there will be burdens will be easy for it is the yoke of Jesus upon us. Our loving Lord gives the strength, courage and means to carry on living a full and fruitful life. When we are weary He will give us rest. Let us then take up our cross with joy as we walk onwards to our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:14–24, 26

GOSPEL
Mark 8:34––9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

He also said to them,
“Amen, I say to you,
there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

What good is my name if I do not the Will of my heavenly Father? What good is my name if I am not  known to be loving and kind? What good is my name if I am not patient or merciful? What good is my name of I do not bring hope or joy? What good is my name if I do not bring peace? What good is my name if not a single soul can see Christ in me?

Let me always walk with and in Christ as He walks in me. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:1–9

GOSPEL
Mark 8:27–33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Persevere dear sisters and brothers, persevere in holiness amidst trials,suffering and temptations. Draw your strength and wisdom NOT from men but from our Lord.

Our sweet and loving Lord knows our limitations and our weaknesses. He desires that we grow in strength, faith and love. So He patiently and gently urges on, picks us up and dust us off when we fall. He opens our hearts and minds slowly so that we can not only see and feel but understand and embrace all that is from Him.

Let us strive to climb up the Holy mountain of our Lord and help one another along the way. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:19–27

GOSPEL
Mark 8:22–26

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked,
“Do you see anything?”
Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”

Let us stand guard against temptations for the source of all of it comes from evil, the devil striving to separate us from all that is good, all that is love, God our loving Father.

Giving in to just a small temptation gives rise to bigger ones and soon our sins grow heavy and chokes the life out of us.

Let us instead choose Christ our Lord and remain steadfast in His love. All we will ever want or need comes from Him. He is the Living Water which flows abundantly for us. That we may bear first fruits pleasing to our heavenly Father as we are nourishment for our brethren. Praise be our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:12–18

GOSPEL
Mark 8:14–21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

For those of whom we love and respect, would we demand proof of their love for us? Would we ever think of doing so? Surely we will see it in their actions and words. Unless we make blind or are blinded by our egos and narcissism. Why then should we signs from our God?

I have witnessed the wonders and glory of God in my life. I have seen, though not as much with my eyes but with my heart; my faith! His Grace is upon those who seek Him with their hearts. His love is as perennial as the grass. O Holy Spirit guide me, teach me so that I may faithfully love and serve my Lord, my God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:1–11

GOSPEL
Mark 8:11–13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore

Do we even recognise let alone allow the ‘golden calves’ in our lives to take us away from God our loving Father? Some of which are addictions, such as to television, computer games, sports, alcohol, drugs, pornography and masterbation. Others such as work, unforgiveness, pride, laziness and greed for money just to name a few.

Should we not instead hunger and thirst for the Word of God? The living Word which truly nourishes and saves. Given freely and in abundance to all who seek, all who asks. Always available even for those who come late. Such is the love of our God! Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 12:26–32; 13:33–34

GOSPEL
Mark 8:1–10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Our loving Father wants what is best for us, He loves and provides for us. What are we saying to Him when we worship ‘false Gods’? Things or persons other than the one true God? When we turn our backs on Him? Closed are our ears, eyes and hearts! See then how it is, a life separate from our Father.

Lord Jesus I come before You a sinner, cleanse and heal me. I desire only to love and serve my God. Let my eyes, ears and heart always be opened to Your Word and Your Will. Together with my brethren let me always proclaim, “You are the Lord my God, and I hear Your voice.” In Your most precious name Jesus. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 11:29–32; 12:19

GOSPEL
Mark 7:31–37

Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Does giving in to sin because of peer pressure or because of our deep love for someone make it OK? Does keeping silent while someone close to us leads a sinful life ok? Sin in all it’s forms ensures a separation from God! No matter how holy or obedient we once were to the Will of God, it blinds us to His wonders and His love. To the point we can vaguely even recall how good it was when God was once by our side.

Why do some think that sins of the fathers or mothers for that matter will not affect the next generation? Fathers and Mothers have the greatest influence in their children lives and so if they justify their sinful actions convincingly enough will it not rub off on some if not all of their children? Especially if they were at an impressionable age.

The loving, living word of God cannot penetrate hearts which are hard, cold and wild with sin. These belong to obstinate ears who will not listen, will not change for they have wilfully chosen sin over God. But for those who yearn to be healed, to be transformed, who greatly desires to do God’s Will and who humble themselves before Him; their prayers are answered.

Lord Jesus I so desire to have unwavering faith in You! To love and serve You all of my life. Help me to grow in love and faith and grant me the Grace and strength to persevere amidst adversity or persecution. Be my shepherd now and forevermore. Amen

1st Reading
1 Kings 11:4-13

GOSPEL
Mark 7:24–30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

“The devil made me do it!” “I was overcome by evil spirits.” “I am only human, what do you expect?” Have we not used these lines or at least had thoughts which were similar?

There is No bad pill we swallow that makes us bad! If we chance upon an erotic picture say on the internet and instead of closing it and moving on, we choose to stare, let our imagination run amok and then look for more erotica…can we then remain blameless? Or when something doesn’t go as we planned do we accept the challenges, react calmly and look into correcting or even improving on it or do we throw tantrums, get emotionally charged and start looking to blame someone? How then are we going to live out our Christian values? How do we remain focussed on God and His Will for us?

O Lord my God You give us Your Living Word and of Yourself in the Eucharist, so that by choosing to consume Your Word into our very being; You give us the nourishment and strength to withstand the forces of evil. Let our minds, bodies and soul dwell on and in You as You dwell in our hearts. Let us be beacons for others which draws all to come to You. So together with them we will proclaim, “Blessed be the Lord our God! Now and for ever.” Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 10:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 7:14–23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Solomon Dedicates The Temple at Jerusalem
( Painting By James Jacques Joseph Tissot)

Do we pray only for those who we deem worthy or do we pray for all, especially those who have hurt or wounded us? When we say we love and serve God with all our heart, do we then love and care for our neighbour? Do we love and care for the grumpy old man or woman suffering with pain and sickness? Do we love and care for the poor, the homeless, the weak? Do we love and care for our aged parents? Do we judge others by their appearance or behaviour and turn away from them, or do we welcome them regardless with the love of Christ? Are we rigid and calculative? Or are we open, kind, inviting and loving? We want forgiveness from God, but are we readily forgiving? Let us honour and serve our Lord with His laws written in our hearts filled with His love. Let us serve our God, with Body, Mind and soul through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever  and ever. Amen

FIRST READING 1 Kings 8:22–23, 27–30

GOSPEL Mark 7:1–13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?”
He responded,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,
as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
In vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
He went on to say,
“How well you have set aside the commandment of God
in order to uphold your tradition!
For Moses said,
Honor your father and your mother,
and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.
Yet you say,
‘If someone says to father or mother,
“Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’
(meaning, dedicated to God),
you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.
You nullify the word of God
in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
And you do many such things.”

Experiencing God in a personal relationship through faith, prayer and holiness is what all of us should strive for. It is a wonderful and great start however it is in essence only the beginning. For our loving Father does not want to dwell within individual hearts alone but in the heart of His Church. God dwells among His people.

A measure of the faith and love one has for Jesus is the faith and love we have for others. Do we seek out hurriedly here and everywhere all who are in need of hope, healing, love, true life? Do we help in any and every way to bring others to the love and knowledge of our Saviour Jesus Christ? Do we accept the trials and sufferings that come as a result it?

The healing love and peace of our Lord Jesus be upon us all. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 8:1–7, 9–13

GOSPEL
Mark 6:53–56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

When we desire to know, understand and carry out Your Will for us. We can be sure that You will provide all we need and more. It is a wonder why? That from time to time, we fall back into anxiety and fear when new unexpected challenges arise. All we ever need to do, is come into Your presence through prayer and quiet; Your peace will be upon us as You lead the way.

When we are exhausted and in need of nourishment, let us hear You call out to us “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened; I will give you rest.” Coming into Your presence through prayer and quiet
; Your peace will be upon us as You nourish us with Your living Word. Great is Your Love that no matter how persistent we are in our prayers, for our wants and needs. You patiently and lovingly answer them all. Even at times when the answer is No! Thank You Jesus for all that You are and all that You do. Glory and praise be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 3:4–13

GOSPEL
Mark 6:30–34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and I he began to teach them many things

Just as we are drawn to know and love God, so it is with truth. For to love God is to embrace His truth. When we choose to live a lie, we ultimately choose to live a life without God. Life without God is to whither and die. Blessed be God our salvation!

When we love God with our very being, even if we should fall; He is there to pick us up and dust us off. Great is His mercy and His love. Our loving Father encourages and inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. Blessed be God our salvation!

Jesus our Lord and our God, show us the way. Be our light and guide forevermore. Blessed be God our salvation! Amen

FIRST READING
Sirach 47:2–11

GOSPEL
Mark 6:14–29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

O Lord our God, You are loving as You are faithful. All throughout salvation history it was us, your children who fell short or were unfaithful. Yet You were patient and merciful to all who were repentant and contrite. Be patient and merciful with us once again, keep us in Your loving care we pray.

Loving Father, through Your Son our Saviour Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we the faithful can rest in the security of Your providence. Great is Your love that we are sent after every Eucharistic celebration to share Your love with others. To bring hope where there is none. To bring peace and healing. To free the oppressed and downtrodden. Praise and glory be to Our living God now and forever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 2:1–4, 10–12

GOSPEL
Mark 6:7–13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

There are times when we revel in our successes, accomplishments and recognition. Without giving thanks, praise and glory to God who provided for all that we have; we forget and exalt ourselves by our words or actions sometimes at the expense of others. We may even entertain thoughts that we had accomplished everything on our very own and indirectly separate ourselves from God. Hopefully we realise our faults early and are contrite before God instead of turning back to Him only when our ‘self made’ glories come crumbling down.

It is all too true that sharing the experience of Jesus and the Word of God with our immediate family and friends are often the most difficult. Why? Because most of them would have known us either from when we were little or before we encoutered Christ ourselves in a personal way. Patience, constant prayer and the love of Christ are key in planting the seeds. Slowly when their eyes opened to the joy they witness in our lives, the peace that we have and the love that we share; through God’s grace they will have a conversion of heart.

God loves us so much that He gave us free will. When we freely come to Him, listen and live our lives according to His Will; We are fulfilled, peace, joy and love reigns in our hearts. He lives in us as we live in Him. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Samuel 24:2, 9–17

GOSPEL
Mark 6:1–6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Are we obedient to the voices of men? Or to the voice of God? There are times in our lives when the ‘love’ we feel for someone, tells us to allow evil to continue on because we are afraid to lose them who have succumbed to sin. Family and friends may even concur stating that it is better to close an eye rather than close two eyes and not ever see them again. Are we being faithful then to our God?

Do we really want allow the hemorrhage to continue until the life is drained from them? Or do we lovingly encourage them to turn to Jesus and by His grace, die to their sins so that they may rise to new life in Him. This too would apply in our very own lives. He hears our intercessions for one another and comes swiftly to our aid, by our faith in Him we are healed. His peace rests upon us as we are told to go and share the good news with others. And He gives of himself; the bread of life to be nourished as we make our way. Amen

FIRST READING

2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14b, 24–25a, 30–19:3

GOSPEL
Mark 5:21–43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him and a large crowd followed him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Unrepentant sins of our past, long forgotten or buried; penance not performed or fulfilled will eventually come back to haunt us. Try as we may to go about leading good fruitful lives, we find ourselves caught in a vicious cycle of committing more sins, feeling guilty, depressed and then trying to move on searching and maybe finding some shortlived happiness. The heavy chains of which we carry bind us and wear us down.

Only Jesus can set us free! From all our addictions, our temptations and our sins. Only He can restore us, heal us and fill us with His love. All we need do is come before Him with a contrite heart and on our knees; acknowledge Him our Saviour, the Son of God. His mercy will be upon us; so will His love and peace. Such is His grace that filled with uncontainable joy, we want to share His promise of salvation for all and with all that we meet.

Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Samuel 15:13–14, 30; 16:5–13

GOSPEL
Mark 5:1–20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

It is so easy for us to see and judge the sins of others and take the righteous stand of wishing judgement upon them. And yet we think we can hide our own sins from others; even if we succeed how can we hide anything from You O Lord my God? Who sees all and knows all.

If only we came to You Lord Jesus with a contrite heart. We will not only be set free but will remain securely in Your loving embrace. Even amidst the storms of life, Your peace will carry us through. Sweet Jesus have mercy on me; come reign in my heart. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17

GOSPEL
Mark 4:35–41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”