CatholicJules.net

How the tide has turned, for once upon a time I was very much with the crowd. I sang pretty much the same tune. And yet send you did indeed, one or two family members, priests, people close, familiar to me and even strangers to call me to repentance. And more often You ensured that they did so subtly and gently. Would I listen at the time? No! For it was easier to find fault with them, their logic, their own way of life, their relationships. Gossip would quash their efforts and if not then I would just stay away or walk away. Sin had a hold on me, for it was far more alluring.

Then like the prodigal son, I too saw the better life You my heavenly Father had to offer. I came prostrating myself before You ashamed and sorrowful, feeling unworthy to be in Your presence. But with Your powerful arms You lifted me up and embraced me lovingly and I was restored. I am and always be Your child.

Jesus my Lord, thank You for showing me the way. Let me be the light for others as You have been for me. I will not be discouraged in the face of rejection, for I know that there will be great rejoicing in heaven for that one sinner led back home. For I was that sinner. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 26:1–9

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:54–58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Thank you Abba Father for your mercy on me, You have been kind and patient. When I was bent out of shape and would have been discarded by most, it was You who guided me and moulded me. You loved me in spite of my offenses against Your Will for me. You saw the good in me and looked upon my strengths and not my weaknesses. Truly I had not experienced such unconditional love before.

Throughout the ages, Your saving Word O Lord has been upon us. A living Word which transform and gives new life to all who receive it. One which transcends time for Your Word is eternal. And yet what is considered old in our minds illuminates the new and gives it new meaning, new dimensions, greater depths. Thank You Jesus for allowing all of us who have opened our hearts and minds to You, the oppprtunity to fall deeply in love with You; our living Word. And through You we bring forth and share the old and the new with all.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done for now and forever. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 18:1–6

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:47–53

Jesus said to the disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

I remember how it was, when I use to sit in the company of people I called friends who were vulgar in words and actions. It was fun and a rather carefree time, where we did and said what we wanted without restraint. But all the happiness in those times were fleeting and it left us with emptiness.

Then as I surrendered myself to the Lord and grew in holiness; I found that all that I had done in the past were distasteful and contrary to what my heavenly Father wanted for me. I was looking for love and happiness in all the wrong places.

I have found the most precious and priceless treasure there is to find, my Lord and my God! Life has meaning and so has death. Peace, love and joy surrounds my days. And even though I have to go through some trying days I do so not alone but with my Lord and I am comforted.

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

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 15:10, 16–21

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:44–46

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

We want peace and joy in our lives but do we reject the one Who can give it freely to us? Do we turn back to Him when we have sinned? Or only when the consequences start overpowering us? Or even not at all? Still our heavenly Father patiently waits for your return.

So great is His love for us that He sent His Son to save us. To teach, guide us and show us the way home to Him. He gives us enough time to repent and come back to Him for He always wants the best for us. To live life to the fullest and experience true joy, love and peace. Do we still want a life separated from Him? Do we think we still have tomorrow? Do we truly love our Lord and God? Do we keep Him in mind throughout or at the very least part of the day? Do we thank and praise Him with grateful hearts for the many blesssings He showers on us? Or has it become ritualistic in our lives like saying grace before meals with absent minds and hearts?

Jesus my Lord, I want a life with You. Thank You for being there for me, I love You. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 14:17–22

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:36–43

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Oh how many still stay away from God thinking they want to enjoy life to the fullest and that a relationship with Him will hinder and stifle them! They stubbornly close their eyes, ears and hearts to our heavenly Father’s call for an intimate loving relationship with Him. Of Whom all life and goodness comes. A loving Father wanting only the best for His children.

How can we say we are useless or are of little value? We are all children of our heavenly Father! Made in His image, destined for greatness through a life of holiness.

We can make such an impact in each others lives. If we but grow in His love, in His Word, in His ways. We can bring comfort and hope when there is none. Nourishment to those in need, healing for those who suffer. Jesus our Lord enables our tiny limited hearts to grow in capacity, we can love with His limitless love. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 13:1–11

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:31–35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full–grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

The greatest gift I can give my children, family and friends is the Word of God. And to facilitate encounters with our heavenly Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Knowing that I can only do this through my very own loving and living example of holiness. For the grace of God is upon me.

Then they too can see what I see and hear what I hear. Amen

Feast – St Joachim And St Anne Parents of our Blessed Mother Mary

FIRST READING
Sirach 44:1, 10–15

GOSPEL
Matthew13:16–17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Empty vessels make the most noise! How we often hear people finding fault with the Church, the priests, religious, ministry members, lay persons even the pope. Some of these may even be well versed in scripture passages. But do they have an authentic relationship with the Holy Trinity? How many lost sheep have they brought back into the fold? How many have been brought close to God in a deep meaningful way?

If we hold the treasure of the Word deep in our hearts, we have the spirit, love and truth in us. And even through afflictions, hardships and toil, we will serve our Lord and brethren with joy. We can unite our sacrifices with the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus so that, whatever we do;will be for the glory and praise of our heavenly Father. And when our earthly form comes to pass, we will be if our Lord in paradise. Amen

(Feast – St James The Apostle)
FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 4:7–15

GOSPEL
Matthew 20:20–28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Eucharistic celebration, the sacraments, the Church, it’s traditions, it’s teachings even the Word of God is meaningless, senseless and useless if we are separated from our groom. How can we see the value in them? Of how priceless and precious they are? If we do not see or hear the source? The living water, eternal fountain! How can our hearts receive Him if it is not prepared to receive Him?

How sad it is that some have heard and responded to our Lord’s call but have leaky cisterns. While they may contain the living water for a while, they are not able to hold on to it. While others who can hold on for much longer never have depth or a complete understanding. They had decided to pick and choose and understand only what they are familiar with and hold true to them.

There is hope that if we so desire to know the Word of God, to see, hear and understand. We can turn to Him our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, He will heal and transform us so that we may enter into life with Him and ALL will be open to us!

Abba Father I adore You! Lord Jesus, I adore You! O Holy Spirit I adore You! Teach and guide me that I may know and understand Your Word and Your Will for me. Let me worship You in heart, word and deed. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 2:1–3, 7–8, 12–13

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:10–17

The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

O the Word of my Lord, deep within my being. O the Word of my Lord you have filled my mind! Beautiful lyrics taken from the song of a young prophet. But how many of us have truly allowed the Word of God to penetrate deep into our hearts, to reflect and chew on His Word; so that we can know His Will and experience His love?

Are our ears shut? If not then do we allow worldly distractions, desires and wants to drive the Word away from us? Do we turn a deaf ear to our loving Father Who has loved and held us in His hands before we were even born?

I love and embrace You my sweet Jesus, Your Word I hold deep in my heart. Let be bear much fruit and grant me the Graces necessary to bring Your Word to all. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 1:1, 4–10

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:1–9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

We declare joyfully that we are children of God, but how many of us have truly reflected on what this means for us? Do we still squander away our heavenly inheritance? Do we honour our heavenly Father by the lives we lead? Or do we insist on leading our lives contrary to His loving Will for us?

Merciful Father be patient with us.

Jesus our Lord so loved and honoured His blessed mother that He entrusted her to the care of His disciple. And by so doing, she too is a mother for us all. Through Him we become one body, one Holy family. Let us then be faithful children who does the Will of our heavenly Father as we lead those who have strayed back into life of holiness in Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
Micah 7:14–15, 18–20

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:46–50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

How will you see the wonders of God our Father if you would not open your eyes? How can you understand the signs He gives you, if your heart and mind are closed? How do you hear His Word when you are not ready to listen? Why do you question and yet are not willing to receive the answers?

Have you not heard the calling? To holiness? To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly before God your Father.

Lord Jesus thank you from liberating me from sin, so that I may see, feel and touch everything that comes from You. You are all I will ever need and through You I am able to offer my life up in servitude to my heavenly Father and my brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Micah 6:1–4, 6–8

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:38–42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

On our own we are a flawed race often looking for an easy way out. It is far easier to hate than to love, far easier to take revenge than to forgive. It is far easier to steal than to work for what we want, far easier to give in to immoral desires than to remain chaste. And so it is far easier to die than to live; for by our choices we face eternal death.

Who knows us better than our loving Father in heaven? Why does He love us so much? Why does He love us still?

Jesus our Lord was sent to us to save us. That we would know that we are not alone. We do not need to go through life alone and afraid, for He is with us. And He gives us all that we will ever need to be with Him forever. He is the Truth, the way to eternal life. And all we need to do is turn our hearts to Him and follow Him. Amen

FIRST READING
Micah 2:1–5

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:14–21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

Praise be almighty God our Father, for He hears our cries for mercy. And answers our prayers with mercy and love. He patiently waits for us to be ready like a Father who will not push His child till the child is ready to walk.

Do we extend that same mercy we pray so earnestly to our heavenly Father for, to our brethren? Do we let the faults blind us from seeing the person? Is our love conditional? Yet do we not want for ourselves unconditional love?

Lord teach me Your merciful ways, let Your love for me be the same love I give to my brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 38:1–6, 21–22, 7–8

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:1–8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

When it seems we are living our lives one crisis to the next. Where every path we take is rocky and gloomy. Where peace and joy are missing in our lives. We can know that our Lord is absent in our lives. We have turned our backs on Him and sin has entered our hearts. Are we then doomed forever as we feel? Are our sins too heinous for God to forgive us?

Our and merciful Lord is calling ALL of us to Him, even those who have committed the most deplorable and evils acts of sin. ”Come to me, as you are, do not wait any longer nor do you need to change first. Come to me and I will embrace you, I will take all the evil from you, I will be the one to transform you. And I will give you my peace, love and joy.”

Lord I take upon myself Your yoke, to pave the way so that the seeds of love and knowledge of You may be planted. And upon maturity, the plentiful harvest may be brought into Your Kingdom. I have no fear in this undertaking Lord, for I know You are with me on this journey through it all, the thick as well as the thin. And if I should require rest Lord, then allow me to rest in You. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 26:7–9, 12, 16–19

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

We draw all wisdom, strength and courage from our heavenly Father and are able to do many great things. Yet do we offer praise and thanks? Or do we lord it over others thinking we did it all on our own?

It is when we are humble and possess the heart of child who reaches out to hold the hand of our Father in heaven, that we are led to the depths of a wonderful relationship with Him. Jesus makes this possible for through Him we are washed clean, through Him we know much of our heavenly Father, for to know Him is to know the Father.

Let us never take this great and wonderful relationship for granted and strive to always grow in it. For we know that no matter what comes our way, our Lord and God will never abandon us. Glory be to God on High!

FIRST READING
Isaiah 10:5–7, 13b–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:25–27

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

We need to grow in our faith to such a degree that we stand firm. Otherwise we will easily be blown away by lustful desires, temptations and sin. Or else we will lose it in a crisis.

Our loving Saviour laments over the hard heartedness of those who refuse to listen to His call for repentance. For He sees the terrible end results for them. He therefore wants to draw everyone to Him, to save us all. He wants all of us to embrace love instead of wickedness so that He can give us His Grace and peace. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 7:1–9

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:20–24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not heard “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For it and I f the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:

Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

No amount of love offerings, money or food can ever buy us our way into heaven. Nor can it be an atonement for our sins. We need first to love God enough to be truly sorry for our sins. For what we have done and what we failed to do. For having offended Him by our evil choices over all that is good.

To love our Heavenly Father is to love His Son our Lord and redeemer Jesus Christ. Who came to liberate us from our sins and to guide us Home to Him. To love Jesus is to to love the Word and the truth which unites all the faithful and separates us from non believers even family. And the love we have for our one triune God is the love we will have for our brethren wherever they may be.

Let us reject evil and remain faithful disciples of our Lord and God. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 1:10–17

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:34–11:1

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter–in–law against her mother–in–law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple– amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

Is my faith a private one between me and God my Father alone? Am I to be silent when I witness and injustice? Do I not speak out against wrong doings and practices especially within my own home? Am I holy myself? Have I gone often for the sacrament of reconciliation? So that I can stand ready to do God’s Will? Ready to spread His message of love and mercy?

Here I am Lord!

Why should I be afraid to proclaim the Gospel? Why should I speak softly afraid others might hear? Is it not the truth I speak? The only one I should be wary of is the Evil One who will try try to take me away from my Lord. But even he has no hold over me because I have chosen to walk with the Lord and He walks with me. I am under God’s protection, so that even if I lay down my life in service of my Lord; into His hands I commend my spirit. Amen

Here I am Lord, I’ve come to do Your Will!

FIRST READING
Isaiah 6:1–8

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:24–33

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

How often must we fall before we learn to walk upright? Do we not feel ashamed and want to do better? Do we not want to be stronger? More courageous? Loving and kind? O heavenly Father wash our sins away that we may be white as snow! Teach and help us to walk on Your straight paths that we may fall no more.

When we walk in faith, the peace and love of Christ in our hearts; stirs in us a desire to share our faith with others. The more outspoken we are about Kingdom of God, the Love, the truth and the light through which Jesus brings forth, the greater the need, want and resolve for the World to silence us. We need not be discouraged, fearful nor worry about what to say even especially in front of the learned or those in positions. For we have the Holy Spirit with us and nothing is impossible. Let us walk in the steadfast love of our Lord always bringing His truth and light to all, in love and charity. Knowing that He will guide us through it all and give us the wisdom prevail. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 14:2–10

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:16–23

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

We seem confident in calling out, “Abba Father” in our prayer and reflection. But how many truly see Him as a loving and merciful Father? How many are respectful and reverent before Him? Especially in His house of worship, be it in word, deed or dress? How many praise and thank Him daily for all that He has blessed us with? Food, clothing, shelter, wisdom, knowledge and so many other abundant gifts. How many listen to His call for repentance for the errors of our ways? How many have turned away from His loving embrace?

Knowing and loving our heavenly Father is to place all our trust and faith in Him. For He will surely provide for all that we need. Our Lord Jesus today commands us to put our faith and love into action. To go and proclaim the Gospel, to reach out in love and kindness to those afflicted in body, mind and soul. To build relationships through Him so that His peace and love may be manifested to all. Judgement will be upon those who reject the Word. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 11:1–4, 8e–9

Gospel
Mt 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Where is our heart in our worship of God our Father? Do we attend the Eucharistic celebration out of obligation? When we have the time? When it does not interfere with our personal plans or travel? Do we pray or come to the Lord only in times of crisis? Do we bargain with Him by saying Lord if you let me win in the lottery I promise to give half to Your Church? Do we still think today as some of God’s children did in the past, that the Kingdom of God is far away and that there is lots of time?

The joyful message is the same today as it was of old, and that is the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. And just like the Apostles who were common folk, we too have been chosen to proclaim the Gospel. To use the many gifts and talents that we have been given to liberate others from the hold of evil, to lead them to repentance. To heal them of their afflictions and to lead His flock into the light of His glory all through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 10:1–3, 7–8, 12

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’“

No matter how obstinate and sinful we are, our loving Father still reaches out His hand to us. Beckoning for us to come back to Him. Warning us of the impending doom that awaits us if we refuse to turn away from evil and sin. Our own destruction is in our hands and yet our Father would readily take it away from us if we were willing to give it to Him.

O how evil and sin silences us, that we are unable to give glory, praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father. So too are we unable to cry to our Lord for help. And yet so merciful and kind is our loving Lord that He liberates us from the Evil that holds us. So that we have a chance of new life in Him. Do we then sing His praises for the new life we lead or do we fall back into our old ways of cursing and swearing?

While we continue to pray for vocations into the ministerial priesthood and religious life. Let us remember that we are called to be priest, prophet and king for one another. To do the Lord’s work and share the good news of God’s love for us; and to lead one another home to our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 8:4–7, 11–13

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:32–38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

A call to holiness is one which allows us to be in perfect union with our heavenly Father. Love, fidelity, trust and growth are hallmarks of that covenantal relationship. Out of which divine peace and joy flows.

What hope is there for us who think ourselves unclean or unworthy? Drained by the burdens of living in the world? Lifeless and listless? Jesus! He is our hope our redeemer. He invites us to come to Him in faith and He will heal and restore us. He will give us life!

There will always be those who mock us for having such faith in our Lord and our God, for they have yet to encounter Him as we have. Let us continue to pray for them whose hearts are not yet cast in stone. And let us remain faithful beacons of love for all. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 2:16, 17c–18, 21–22

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:18–26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

Our heavenly Father seeks not to destroy but to build. To restore what was lost and to give us back our share of the heavenly inheritance;for which we squander away when we live in the world.

There are times for devotions, observances even formation. But there also times to put our faith into action. To love and live out the Gospels in our daily lives. And for that we need to embrace the fact that we don’t know it all, and that if we want to we can go deeper and deeper into our faith. We are limited only by the capacity we set for ourselves, instead of allowing our Lord to set it and fill us with the Graces we need to grow.

May we always remain steadfast in our faith and love for our Lord. Always eager to learn, live and serve our Lord and our brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 9:11–15

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:14–17

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

How are we holy people of God? When we conform our hearts desires to that of our heavenly Father. When our thoughts, words and deeds are Christ centred and bring glory to our Lord and God. When we are merciful towards others, especially those who have hurt us deeply.

If God is in our hearts, will we not be careful with what we say? Will we allows gossips to start with our seemingly innocent questions about another or their actions? Will we be quick to judge others?

Jesus, my Lord, let my love for You be reflected in all I say and do. Let me always be merciful and faithful as I listen to Your Word. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 8:4–6, 9–12

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

As Jesus passed by,
he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Have we yet embraced the many different sisters and brothers we have under our heavenly Father? Or do we still cling to what or whom we are familiar with? Preferring always to having fellowship only with whom we know or in some cases our own race? If so then perhaps we have not fallen deeply in love with Jesus our Lord and have not progressed witth our relationship with Him. Our very own capacity to love is limited but when we love with the love of Christ in us, our heart swells and soon we find we can love one another unconditionally.

Our beloved St Thomas truly loved Jesus very much and he was traumatised by the death of his master. How many of us too have been traumatised in our lives and had at one point lost our faith? Perhaps the foundation of our faith was not really strong to begin with or we allowed the distractions of the world to take our focus off our Lord. But then when we pray for our faith to increase and for Jesus to come, He does! And like St Thomas we too exclaim with all our hearts, “My Lord, my God!” How much more did St Thomas love our Lord with the love of Jesus in him? Well he travelled all the way in love to India a foreign land where he did not speak a word of the native language. To share the love and message of His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Then thereafter planting the seeds of love, he laid down his life for Jesus by embracing martyrdom.

St Thomas pray for us, that like you we may be courageous and steadfast in our love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

(Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast; St. Thomas, Apostle)

FIRST READING
Ephesians 2:19–22

GOSPEL
John 20:24–29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Every Eucharistic Celebration is an opportunity to go before the altar and give thanks to our Heavenly Father and to receive Jesus and the many graces He bestows upon us. How many actually offer up sacrifices of themselves? The works of mercy they had performed in Jesus’ name the week before? Sharing the joy of the Gospel or the call to repentance? Attending and participating in the Eucharistic Celebration not out of obligation but of a desire to love and be loved by our heavenly Father?

In Holy Communion we receive Jesus, but how many know that Jesus is receiving us too? How many go up and ‘take’ but are not ready to be received by Him? Where is the exchange? The authentic communion? How are we then in communion with one another? How are we then one body in Christ?

If we are truly in Christ evil has NO power to prevail over us! For in His name we have the power to rebuke and cast out evil. We have no desire to return to our old sinful lives but to live a transformed and fruitful life in our Lord. Our only desire is to honour,love and serve Him all the days of lives. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 5:14–15, 21–24

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:28–34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.