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We often live in fear of the uncertain for it is the nature of the world in which we live in. Who can we trust these days? Hordes of voices are calling out for change and seem to be heard, threatening to change truths on faith and morals of which we hold dear. Whispers and secrets are rampant under the guise of allowing the flow of unfettered discussions. How then can our faith not be shaken?

It will never be shaken if we have built it up on the foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The voice of God speaks to our hearts and His tender arms embraces us in our weakest moments. Let us remain steadfast in His love for nothing can separate us from Him. And if we die for the truth and love of Him, it is only the flesh that dies for we will surely be alive in and with Him; in His Kingdom. Amen

First reading
Ephesians 1:11-14

Gospel
Luke 12:1-7

The people had gathered in their thousands so that they were treading on one another. And Jesus began to speak, first of all to his disciples. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees – that is, their hypocrisy. Everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. For this reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed on the housetops.
‘To you my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Can you not buy five sparrows for two pennies? And yet not one is forgotten in God’s sight. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid: you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.’

Do I live for myself? Do I want to experience only all that is good and positive? Do I think it best to avoid people who are broken lest they infect me with their negativity? Do I only listen to preaching and teachings that is uplifting for my soul but shut my ears to those which admonish for correction? Do I criticise and kill the spirit of those trying to speak God’s truth or prevent others from listening? Have I helped sinners to be reconciled with God our loving Father or have I shunned them thinking they were not worthy or ready to hear the truth?

Lord Jesus have mercy on me, You who went through unimaginable sufferings for us. You who bore the cross on Your back for a sinner like me. While hanging and dying from the cross You sought forgiveness for us sinners. You who gave up Your life so that we may live. Lord have mercy on me.

By Your example Lord I want to be more compassionate and loving. Help me to overcome my weaknesses so that I may take up my cross and follow You. Amen

First reading
Ephesians 1:1-10

Gospel
Luke 11:47-54

Jesus said:
‘Alas for you who build the tombs of the prophets, the men your ancestors killed! In this way you both witness what your ancestors did and approve it; they did the killing, you do the building.
‘And that is why the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles; some they will slaughter and persecute, so that this generation will have to answer for every prophet’s blood that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary.” Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to answer for it all.
‘Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to.’
When he left the house, the scribes and the Pharisees began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.

Lord Your great love for me is not always warm and fuzzy. It sometimes calls for painful correction so that I may live according to Your Will for me which is ultimately the best in every way. Have patience with me for the many times I have be stubborn in shutting my ears to Your truth. Jesus You have come to set me free from every sin, of every form. Have mercy on me.

Your call to holiness is special in every way, it is a call to communion with You and with one another. To live a loving life filled with Your grace. Help me to abandon all that is not of You, so that I may take up my cross anyways and follow You. Amen

First reading
Ephesians 1:1-10

Gospel
Luke 11:47-54

Jesus said:
‘Alas for you who build the tombs of the prophets, the men your ancestors killed! In this way you both witness what your ancestors did and approve it; they did the killing, you do the building.
‘And that is why the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles; some they will slaughter and persecute, so that this generation will have to answer for every prophet’s blood that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary.” Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to answer for it all.
‘Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to.’
When he left the house, the scribes and the Pharisees began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.