Archive for September 28, 2015

A Reflection Guide For (Ministry) on Being An Effective Disciple Of Christ

Posted: September 28, 2015 by CatholicJules in Memory Book
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In the last three years as I have journeyed with my fellow Office Bearers, I have grown indeed in my relationship with Jesus.

The journey was filled with many challenges and there were many times I too wanted to give up.  But I accepted them as challenges of carrying the Cross and moved forward.  On hindsight it was these very challenges that brought me closer to my Lord and gave me a sense of fulfilment.  I have as a result grown in my love for my fellow sisters, brothers serving together in the ministry and my community. 

Allow me to share with you some of my insights on discipleship which prayerfully will help you grow in your own journey….

A Reflection Guide For (Ministry) on Being An Effective Disciple Of Christ

1. **Celebrate** always for you have received the joy of the Gospel.  And every EC you attend is a celebration of life and love in God our Father through His Son.  This joy should be reflected in your service.
2. **Communion** it is not enough to receive Holy Communion, you need to always ponder deeply on what it means to be in communion with the Holy Trinity. And especially with one another, one body in Christ.
3. **Community** you have been chosen by God our Father to love and serve His flock. And so your service to and for them must take precendence when called upon for duty. Are you actively feeding His lambs and His sheep?
4. **Communication** Prayer must be central in your life for it is through prayer that you grow in faith and your relationship with God our Father.  And in the same way you take time and effort to communicate with others must be a reflection of your effective prayer life with and through the Holy Trinity.
5. **Commitment** Your commitment / dedication to service is a reflection of your continued Yes to Jesus in taking up your cross and following Him.
6. **Compassion** Loving and forgiving is our Lord and God, slow to anger rich in kindness. He forgave us from the Cross can you do any less for your brethren? Let us never forget it is in His mercy that He set us free and transformed us. Let us always strive to be Christ like, quick to forgive and charitable with our words.
7. **Courageous** You are so because you trust fully in God our Father’s providence and love for you.  Go forth as sent by your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to witness to His profound love for us all. You have with you always your comforter and your guide, the Holy Spirit. 

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: September 28, 2015 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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In His great mercy and love, the Lord our God gathers His people unto Himself.  Our Heavenly Father loves all His children equally with no favourites.

Those who seek to do His Will more, unlocks within themselves the ability to experience His love more. In the same way those who are forgiven more, will respond to His forgiving love more. The more we give of His love to others in willing their good, the more we receive.

Let our love for our Lord not be one of wanting more for ourselves. Not one for seeking recognition and power. But one of humble service, recognizing the good and the unique gifts of one another. To lovingly encourage one another to use the gifts received for the good of those whom we serve.

Let us be children pleasing to God our Father who loves us ever so dearly. Amen

First reading
Zechariah 8:1-8

The word of the Lord of Hosts was addressed to me as follows:
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
I am burning with jealousy for Zion,
with great anger for her sake.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
I am coming back to Zion
and shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem will be called Faithful City
and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Mountain.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
Old men and old women will again sit down
in the squares of Jerusalem;
every one of them staff in hand
because of their great age.
And the squares of the city will be full
of boys and girls
playing in the squares.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
If this seems a miracle
to the remnant of this people (in those days),
will it seem one to me?
It is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.
‘The Lord of Hosts says this.
Now I am going to save my people
from the countries of the East
and from the countries of the West.
I will bring them back
to live inside Jerusalem.
They shall be my people
and I will be their God
in faithfulness and integrity.’

Gospel
Luke 9:46-50

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
  John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’