CatholicJules.net

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.”