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Loving God our Father is to serve Him and His Children in humble servitude. Our sisters and brothers in Christ. This is what it means to truly love and to experience His great love for us.

For He scatters the proud hearted, casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly.  He who wants to be first must be last, the greatest must serve the least. For love is His Word, Love is His Way.

Lord Jesus grant me a servant’s heart that I may always serve You and my brethren with joy. Amen

First reading
Romans 11:1-2,11-12,25-29

Let me put a further question: is it possible that God has rejected his people? Of course not. I, an Israelite, descended from Abraham through the tribe of Benjamin, could never agree that God had rejected his people, the people he chose specially long ago. Do you remember what scripture says of Elijah – how he complained to God about Israel’s behaviour? Let me put another question then: have the Jews fallen for ever, or have they just stumbled? Obviously they have not fallen for ever: their fall, though, has saved the pagans in a way the Jews may now well emulate. Think of the extent to which the world, the pagan world, has benefited from their fall and defection – then think how much more it will benefit from the conversion of them all. There is a hidden reason for all this, brothers, of which I do not want you to be ignorant, in case you think you know more than you do. One section of Israel has become blind, but this will last only until the whole pagan world has entered, and then after this the rest of Israel will be saved as well. As scripture says: The liberator will come from Zion, he will banish godlessness from Jacob. And this is the covenant I will make with them when I take their sins away.
  The Jews are enemies of God only with regard to the Good News, and enemies only for your sake; but as the chosen people, they are still loved by God, loved for the sake of their ancestors. God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.

Gospel
Luke 14:1,7-11

On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

To be in love with Jesus Christ our Lord is to be in love with His body of whom we belong. For we are one with Him as He is one with us. Hence we should yearn and desire the conversion of hearts to Him. To fill the vacuum brought about by sin and to bring all to the knowledge and joy of the Gospels.

In our very own home Parishes, we must change our attitudes if we have not already done so. For many still adopt an administrative approach instead of a pastoral one. A clean whitewashed exterior instead of an interior soiled and dirty from working hard for the community. One that is truly Christ centred determined in building the Kingdom of God.

Lord Jesus guide my heart, my mind and my hands. So that I may always bring You glory. Amen

First reading
Romans 9:1-5

What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.

Gospel
Luke 14:1-6

On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. ‘There in front of him was a man with dropsy, and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees. ‘Is it against the law’ he asked ‘to cure a man on the sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away. Then he said to them, ‘Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?’ And to this they could find no answer.

Why do we hold on to our sins? Why do we allow the evil one to whisper in our ear that it is not that grave a sin to confess? To tell us that God will understand our intentions or to justify our actions? Why do we choose to live with the burden of guilt? To live a partial existence?

Jesus so loved us He willingly died for us to free us. There is not a sin too great that He will not forgive. And to experience His great love for us we simply have to confess all our sins with a contrite heart. He will remove every stain of sin so that we will be spotless to love and to serve. To live our lives to the full in His love and peace.

And if we are ever chosen to die for His namesake we know that He will lead us to be with Him in paradise. For Jesus has come to gather us into Himself. Amen

First reading
Romans 8:31-39

With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us – he rose from the dead, and there at God’s right hand he stands and pleads for us.
  Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. As scripture promised: For your sake we are being massacred daily, and reckoned as sheep for the slaughter. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.
  For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel
Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came up. ‘Go away’ they said. ‘Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.’ He replied, ‘You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.
  ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:
‘Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!’

We are called to Holiness and that is what it means to be a Saint. It does not mean we are sinless for not one of us can say we are without sin. However we strive daily to be connected to the vine our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.  To be faithful to the Gospels and muster all our strength to turn away from sin.

If we wander into the lair of the evil one and are consequently bit as a result. We do not have to curl up,  lie down and wait for the poison of sin to spread and kill us! We can turn to our Lord Jesus with our contrite heart and whose mercy and love will save us.  So that we can once again be free to strive for Holiness.

Let us always to turn our Heavenly Father in prayer.  So that we may always know His Will for us as we sit in His loving embrace. Amen

Saint Simon and St Jude pray for us….

(Feast –  St Simon & St Jude)

First reading
Ephesians 2:19-22

You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.

Gospel
Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’: Simon whom he called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.

While indeed we all have to suffer one way or another while we await our journey home to our heavenly Father. We are not alone for we have one another and most of all we have Christ our Lord with us every step of the way.

And His love and the Holy Spirit increases within us when we walk in His light so that together we can build His Heavenly Kingdom.  As we lead one another home to Him

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

First reading
Romans 8:18-25

I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us. The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons. It was not for any fault on the part of creation that it was made unable to attain its purpose, it was made so by God; but creation still retains the hope of being freed, like us, from its slavery to decadence, to enjoy the same freedom and glory as the children of God. From the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been groaning in one great act of giving birth; and not only creation, but all of us who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, we too groan inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free. For we must be content to hope that we shall be saved – our salvation is not in sight, we should not have to be hoping for it if it were – but, as I say, we must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet – it is something we must wait for with patience.

Gospel
Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with? It is like a mustard seed which a man took and threw into his garden: it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air sheltered in its branches.’
  Another thing he said, ‘What shall I compare the kingdom of God with? It is like the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.’

Everyday we have a choice to make. We can choose to scatter by our choice of words and deeds. To live individually or choose whom we want to love. Or we could choose to gather and build upon through the Holy Spirit working within us. We can choose to love others inspite of or despite their many failings.

How can we withhold mercy or wait for an appropriate time to be merciful? When mercy was upon us even before we could cry out! Let the love of Christ reign in our hearts as we swiftly extend His mercy to all.  And let us give glory to God our Father by all that we do and say. Amen

First reading
Romans 8:12-17

My brothers, there is no necessity for us to obey our unspiritual selves or to live unspiritual lives. If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.
  Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear into your lives again; it is the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness that we are children of God. And if we are children we are heirs as well: heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory.

Gospel
Luke 13:10-17

One sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled; she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. When Jesus saw her he called her over and said, ‘Woman, you are rid of your infirmity’ and he laid his hands on her. And at once she straightened up, and she glorified God.
  But the synagogue official was indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, and he addressed the people present. ‘There are six days’ he said ‘when work is to be done. Come and be healed on one of those days and not on the sabbath.’ But the Lord answered him. ‘Hypocrites!’ he said ‘Is there one of you who does not untie his ox or his donkey from the manger on the sabbath and take it out for watering? And this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan has held bound these eighteen years – was it not right to untie her bonds on the sabbath day?’ When he said this, all his adversaries were covered with confusion, and all the people were overjoyed at all the wonders he worked.

It is only fitting that if we want to live life to the full that we must strive to live in the sprit. A life in Christ which He gives to us freely for we are children of God our heavenly Father.

Let us be fruitful in drawing others into the same wonderful relationship we have with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

All Glory and Praise be to You O Lord my God! Amen

First reading
Romans 8:1-11

The reason why those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned is that the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. God has done what the Law, because of our unspiritual nature, was unable to do. God dealt with sin by sending his own Son in a body as physical as any sinful body, and in that body God condemned sin. He did this in order that the Law’s just demands might be satisfied in us, who behave not as our unspiritual nature but as the spirit dictates.
  The unspiritual are interested only in what is unspiritual, but the spiritual are interested in spiritual things. It is death to limit oneself to what is unspiritual; life and peace can only come with concern for the spiritual. That is because to limit oneself to what is unspiritual is to be at enmity with God: such a limitation never could and never does submit to God’s law. People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him. Though your body may be dead it is because of sin, but if Christ is in you then your spirit is life itself because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

Gospel
Luke 13:1-9

Some people arrived and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, ‘Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’
  He told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”’

First reading
Romans 8:1-11

The reason why those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned is that the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. God has done what the Law, because of our unspiritual nature, was unable to do. God dealt with sin by sending his own Son in a body as physical as any sinful body, and in that body God condemned sin. He did this in order that the Law’s just demands might be satisfied in us, who behave not as our unspiritual nature but as the spirit dictates.
  The unspiritual are interested only in what is unspiritual, but the spiritual are interested in spiritual things. It is death to limit oneself to what is unspiritual; life and peace can only come with concern for the spiritual. That is because to limit oneself to what is unspiritual is to be at enmity with God: such a limitation never could and never does submit to God’s law. People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him. Though your body may be dead it is because of sin, but if Christ is in you then your spirit is life itself because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

Gospel
Luke 13:1-9

Some people arrived and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, ‘Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’
  He told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”’

We all live our lives daily with a propensity to sin.  That is why we need to strive daily to remain focused on our Lord through prayer. We should also try our best to receive the daily Eucharist for that gives us triumph over evil.

The mark of a true Christian is mercy.  We need to be merciful and swiftly at that. So too must we swiftly seek forgiveness if we have wronged someone, and be ready to make amends. Likewise when we go for the Sacrament of reconciliation. It is not enough to be sorry or say sorry, we must endeavour to make amends. And find new ways to fight the habit of the sin and put it into action for the love of God.

O Lord in Your mercy and love, remember me. Amen

First reading
Romans 7:18-25

I know of nothing good living in me – living, that is, in my unspiritual self – for though the will to do what is good is in me, the performance is not, with the result that instead of doing the good things I want to do, I carry out the sinful things I do not want. When I act against my will, then, it is not my true self doing it, but sin which lives in me.
  In fact, this seems to be the rule, that every single time I want to do good it is something evil that comes to hand. In my inmost self I dearly love God’s Law, but I can see that my body follows a different law that battles against the law which my reason dictates. This is what makes me a prisoner of that law of sin which lives inside my body.
  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to death?
  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Gospel
Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud looming up in the west you say at once that rain is coming, and so it does. And when the wind is from the south you say it will be hot, and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to interpret these times?
  ‘Why not judge for yourselves what is right? For example: when you go to court with your opponent, try to settle with him on the way, or he may drag you before the judge and the judge hand you over to the bailiff and the bailiff have you thrown into prison. I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the very last penny.’

You O Lord my God are the Lord of my life!
For where I lay in the filth of my son, You picked me up and cleansed me.

You O Lord my God are the Lord of my life!
You breathed new life into me and now I know what it is to be a child of my heavenly Father.

You O Lord my God are the Lord of my life!
I unite my will with Yours O Lord and serve my brethren as I serve You.

You O Lord my God are the Lord of my life!
My ever growing passion for Your Word, I will live out in my life. Inflame my heart such that I draw on Your strength to bring Your Word to all I meet.

You O Lord my God are the Lord of my life!
Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Romans 6:19-23

If I may use human terms to help your natural weakness: as once you put your bodies at the service of vice and immorality, so now you must put them at the service of righteousness for your sanctification.
  When you were slaves of sin, you felt no obligation to righteousness, and what did you get from this? Nothing but experiences that now make you blush, since that sort of behaviour ends in death. Now, however, you have been set free from sin, you have been made slaves of God, and you get a reward leading to your sanctification and ending in eternal life. For the wage paid by sin is death; the present given by God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel
Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
  ‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

I am a slave to none! I am master of my own destiny! I am in control of everything! Really? These are the voices of the world which sound liberating and true. But is it?

Ask any servant leader and He/she will tell you that it is far more liberating to serve our Lord. Knowing that He is Lord and God and is truly in control. All I need be is obedient unto Him.  He gives me the wisdom and knowledge to carry out my tasks and leaves me to it. He provides all I need to carry out my mission. I am a slave of my loving master, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

When my focus is on Him and serving my brethren, sin has no hold over me. For it His love that drives all sin away. I face unafraid any challenges that come my way for He is with me through it all.

Lord Jesus, I am Your willing and joyful slave. Guide me always that I may want day stand before You and here You say ” Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Amen

First reading
Romans 6:12-18

You must not let sin reign in your mortal bodies or command your obedience to bodily passions, you must not let any part of your body turn into an unholy weapon fighting on the side of sin; you should, instead, offer yourselves to God, and consider yourselves dead men brought back to life; you should make every part of your body into a weapon fighting on the side of God; and then sin will no longer dominate your life, since you are living by grace and not by law.
  Does the fact that we are living by grace and not by law mean that we are free to sin? Of course not. You know that if you agree to serve and obey a master you become his slaves. You cannot be slaves of sin that leads to death and at the same time slaves of obedience that leads to righteousness. You were once slaves of sin, but thank God you submitted without reservation to the creed you were taught. You may have been freed from the slavery of sin, but only to become ‘slaves’ of righteousness.

Gospel
Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
  ‘You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
  Peter said, ‘Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone?’ The Lord replied, ‘What sort of steward, then, is faithful and wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at this employment. I tell you truly, he will place him over everything he owns. But as for the servant who says to himself, “My master is taking his time coming,” and sets about beating the menservants and the maids, and eating and drinking and getting drunk, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.
  The servant who knows what his master wants, but has not even started to carry out those wishes, will receive very many strokes of the lash. The one who did not know, but deserves to be beaten for what he has done, will receive fewer strokes. When a man has had a great deal given him, a great deal will be demanded of him; when a man has had a great deal given him on trust, even more will be expected of him.’

Unrepentant, unconfessed sins, unforgiveness are holding many back from being liberated by and encountering our Lord Jesus Christ. For our Lord did not come to condemn us but to free us from death. All it takes is a desire to know Him, to turn away from sin and to experience His love. How do we know we are forgiven? Jesus instituted the Sacrament of reconciliation so that we could hear and experience His forgiveness.

Liberated from the bondages of sin we can live fully in His love. And having experienced His love we can truly love others. We are able to live out our lives in humble servitude.

Glory and Praise be to God! Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Romans 5:12,15,17-21

Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned; but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. When law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of failing, but however great the number of sins committed, grace was even greater; and so, just as sin reigned wherever there was death, so grace will reign to bring eternal life thanks to the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gospel
Luke 12:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
  ‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.’

What possessions do we have that we might bring with us when we die? Why allow anything to hold us back from eternal life?

If we have not already done so, it is time to let go of everything that holds us back from following our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Yes we need to work to eat, feed and clothe our family.  But do we have time for personal prayer, family prayer and community prayer? Do we have time to grow in our relationship with our Lord and God? Have we allowed Him to fill us with His grace, peace and love? So that we can truly love one another as He loves us. Or is our life about earning more for our future so as to lead what we think would be a comfortable life?

All I have I give to You O Lord, I offer my heart, my mind, my all. Amen

First reading
Romans 4:20-25

Since God had made him a promise, Abraham refused either to deny it or even to doubt it, but drew strength from faith and gave glory to God, convinced that God had power to do what he had promised. This is the faith that was ‘considered as justifying him.’ Scripture however does not refer only to him but to us as well when it says that his faith was thus ‘considered’; our faith too will be ‘considered’ if we believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, Jesus who was put to death for our sins and raised to life to justify us.

Gospel
Luke 12:13-21

A man in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Master, tell my brother to give me a share of our inheritance.’ ‘My friend,’ he replied, ‘who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.’
  Then he told them a parable: ‘There was once a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his land, thought to himself, “What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.” But God said to him, “Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?.” So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.’

Know that the Lord our God is Lord of all nations. We are all His children, we belong to Him regardless of race and language.

He wants to share the fullness of life in Him. Those who accept Him as Lord and God and proclaim Him as such will for all eternity experience His peace, love and joy for themselves and their families.
The power of the Holy Spirit is upon us and will lead us home to Him. Amen

First reading
Romans 4:13,16-18

The promise of inheriting the world was not made to Abraham and his descendants on account of any law but on account of the righteousness which consists in faith. That is why what fulfils the promise depends on faith, so that it may be a free gift and be available to all of Abraham’s descendants, not only those who belong to the Law but also those who belong to the faith of Abraham who is the father of all of us. As scripture says: I have made you the ancestor of many nations – Abraham is our father in the eyes of God, in whom he put his faith, and who brings the dead to life and calls into being what does not exist.
  Though it seemed Abraham’s hope could not be fulfilled, he hoped and he believed, and through doing so he did become the father of many nations exactly as he had been promised: Your descendants will be as many as the stars.
Psalm

Gospel
Luke 12:8-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
  ‘I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of the angels. But the man who disowns me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of God’s angels.
  ‘Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
  ‘When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’

We can do nothing on our own to earn our way into eternal life with God our heavenly Father.  And so simply giving money, performing religious duties, attending retreats; whatever else without faith and love comes to naught.

Our faith comes from the Lord our God, and it is our response to the faith given freely which gives us hope. For God our heavenly Father created us and loves each and everyone one of us tenderly.  That is why He gave His only Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ so that we might be saved through Him. Again the greatest gift of love, given freely. And it is our response to Jesus which gives us life.

Thank You Abba for the gift of life and love. Thank You for Jesus my Lord of whom I serve with all my heart. Grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and in Your love. Amen

First reading
Romans 4:1-8

What shall we say about Abraham, the ancestor from whom we are all descended? If Abraham was justified as a reward for doing something, he would really have had something to boast about, though not in God’s sight because scripture says: Abraham put his faith in God, and this faith was considered as justifying him. If a man has work to show, his wages are not considered as a favour but as his due; but when a man has nothing to show except faith in the one who justifies sinners, then his faith is considered as justifying him. And David says the same: a man is happy if God considers him righteous, irrespective of good deeds:
Happy those whose crimes are forgiven,
whose sins are blotted out;
happy the man whom the Lord considers sinless.

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.’

It is knowing and accepting that I came into the world with nothing and I am returning to Him the way I came. And so all I can rightfully offer is of myself and I do so willingly to my Heavenly Father for I am unique and created in His Love.  I hold on to nothing except His love for me, and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

When we do not welcome the stranger in our midst or treat non-believers differently from our Christian brethren. Are we beyond reproach? When we insist on proper decorum or reverence without doing anything to lead the people into a relationship with our Lord and God. Have we not failed as shepherds?

Our Lord Jesus came to save us all, Gentile or Jew. For we all bear the image of our creator, our Heavenly Father. Let us then love one another with His love. And strive hard to lead one another home to Him. Amen

First reading
Romans 3:21-30

God’s justice that was made known through the Law and the Prophets has now been revealed outside the Law, since it is the same justice of God that comes through faith to everyone, Jew and pagan alike, who believes in Jesus Christ. Both Jew and pagan sinned and forfeited God’s glory, and both are justified through the free gift of his grace by being redeemed in Christ Jesus who was appointed by God to sacrifice his life so as to win reconciliation through faith. In this way God makes his justice known; first, for the past, when sins went unpunished because he held his hand, then, for the present age, by showing positively that he is just, and that he justifies everyone who believes in Jesus.
  So what becomes of our boasts? There is no room for them. What sort of law excludes them? The sort of law that tells us what to do? On the contrary, it is the law of faith, since, as we see it, a man is justified by faith and not by doing something the Law tells him to do. Is God the God of Jews alone and not of the pagans too? Of the pagans too, most certainly, since there is only one God.

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.

What is our role here on earth sisters and brothers? Are we here to seek perfection in others while we remain imperfect? Are we here to point out the glaring faults in others that our sharp eyes easily pick up? Are we to dish out heavy punishment and penance for others before we forgive them first before God does? Do we indeed complain, grumble about all that is going on in the church, world, workplace and home? Are we living in the Spirit?

Our Heavenly Father sees and knows everything. In His mercy and love,  His Son was sent so that we might be set free to love and live in His Spirit.  Our role is this, to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. To Love one another as He loves us. We must strive each day to lead one another closer to our Heavenly inheritance.

Lord Jesus renew each day with Your love, cleanse me of my sins. That I may always serve You in humble servitude. Amen

First reading
Romans 2:1-11

No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.

Gospel
Luke 11:42-46

The Lord said to the Pharisees:
  ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it!
  A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’
  ‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’

We live in a very secular world today where materialism and consumerism is at an all time high.  Self help gurus are aplenty but there is a price to pay for ‘self help’ for nothing in the world is free! Where is God? He doesn’t exist, he has been made up by weak minded folks. No! It’s by crafty men who use religion to control the minds and pockets of others. Others in desperation of some need resort to charms, trinkets, stones, objects of deities. But there are also those who are obsessed with only traditions, the ritual rites and their head knowledge of God with no real relationship with Him.

How do we know God exist? Because we Christians have encountered Him in a deep personal way.  We have experienced the abundant love of God our heavenly Father through His Son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ! We have constant joy and peace in our hearts which cannot be bought at any price. Yet it is given freely to us by our merciful, loving God. And because God dwells in our hearts, it is reflected on our faces, our words and our actions.

Lord I offer my all to You, use me according to Your Will. Amen

First reading
Romans 1:16-25

I am not ashamed of the Good News: it is the power of God saving all who have faith – Jews first, but Greeks as well – since this is what reveals the justice of God to us: it shows how faith leads to faith, or as scripture says: The upright man finds life through faith.
  The anger of God is being revealed from heaven against all the impiety and depravity of men who keep truth imprisoned in their wickedness. For what can be known about God is perfectly plain to them since God himself has made it plain. Ever since God created the world his everlasting power and deity – however invisible – have been there for the mind to see in the things he has made. That is why such people are without excuse: they knew God and yet refused to honour him as God or to thank him; instead, they made nonsense out of logic and their empty minds were darkened. The more they called themselves philosophers, the more stupid they grew, until they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for a worthless imitation, for the image of mortal man, of birds, of quadrupeds and reptiles. That is why God left them to their filthy enjoyments and the practices with which they dishonour their own bodies, since they have given up divine truth for a lie and have worshipped and served creatures instead of the creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen!

Gospel
Luke 11:37-41

Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’

Whether or not we actively searched for Him, God our Father sought us out first through His Son. And those of us who were found or found our Lord Jesus Christ rejoiced. By our burning desire to know Him we were cleansed of our sins. And His love and peace was outpoured upon us.

Others questioned a little more which is good in itself for it led them to greater faith for ultimately we have a decision to make. And that is whether or not to be obedient and receive the grace of faith? Or we can make excuses, reject the grace and whither away?

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ is upon us who choose Him. Amen

First reading
Romans 1:1-7

From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures.
  This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.

Gospel
Luke 11:29-32

The crowds got even bigger and Jesus addressed them, ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’

I realise people want an instruction manual on how to discern God’s voice but there isn’t one for all.  He speaks to us in varied ways, through a gentle whisper, signs, a spoken word, a passage, a memory, a friend, stranger, song. The promptings of the Holy Spirit often challenges us to come out of the comfort zone of our daily lives. And so often we wrestle with whether we want to heed the call.  Other times we may receive consolations and a clear direction. The list of ways is inexhaustible for the Holy Spirit blows where it wills and cannot be contained and compartmentalised. 

Hence the journey always begins with knowing who God is in our lives. Building our relationship with Him through prayer and His Word,  His Word made flesh. Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Peace all just to share a little on how encouraging all the readings, psalms Gospel acclamation and Gospel of today actually is. When we desire to know God’s Will,  He gives us the wisdom and knowledge to follow Him.  When we give our all to Him and to the service of our brethren for His sake, we will have our heavenly inheritance. We don’t have to all be Theologians for He reveals the mysteries of His Kingdom to mere children.  Here are extracts from the above mentioned weaved together…

I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Show forth your work to your servants; let your glory shine on their children.
Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands.

The word of God is something alive and active: it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves.

Jesus says ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to mere children. Because everything is possible for God.’  In the world to come, we will have eternal life.

How do we recognise the voice of a family member, friend or spouse over the other end of the phone? How do we know for sure it is them and not someone pretending to sound like them? Well it comes from the deep personal relationship we have developed with them over the years.  We embrace in their voice every intonation, syllable, style, thought presented and content.  And so  it is with listening to the voice of God our Father. It is through the oneness with Him that we hear His voice clearly.

That being said how do we start? What must we do?

Well let us begin first by asking what is God our Father’s Will, not just for me or some of us but for all of us? 

We are created in His image, to know, love, worship and serve Him.

By our baptism we are all called to be Saints, that is we are called to Holiness.  As Jesus says in sacred scripture, be Holy as Your Heavenly Father is Holy.  He desires that all of us will one day be with Him in paradise.  So now that we have established our end goal, which is to be with our Father in Heaven.  We can now begin to explore what our Father’s Will is for us individually.

He knew us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb which means He knows all our strengths and our weaknesses, our gifts and personalities. We are called to serve in our uniqueness, there is no need to be whom we are not. For instance if I have a strong character and personality then I will serve in that capacity but bearing in mind that I serve Him and my brethren with the noble humility of a servant.  Everyone is called to serve in one way or another. 

When the young man asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him that he should observe the commandments and more than that to let go of earthly attachments and follow Him.  Jesus teaches and shows us the way, that there is no communion without sacrifice.  We must give our all! And so when we partake of the sacrifice in the Eucharist we receive the grace not to live for ourselves but for others.  Those who partake for themselves neither grow or are transformed. 

In His new commandment to us in the Gospel according to John, Jesus tells us to love one another as He loved us.  And how did He love us? He loved us so much He laid down His life for us.  God’s love is such that it Wills the good in us. And so if we are to love one another the same way He does, then our love too must be to will the good in others.  As St Paul says. we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. And so our loving sacrifice of service to all, must be centred on our Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of our love and life.

The greatest obstacle to listening to God’s will for us and His voice is sin.  Sin allows for the voices of the world and our egos to overpower our ability to hear Him. Hence it is important for us to go regularly for the Sacrament of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist in order to receive the necessary Graces to walk in His light.  Although we must be alert and aware of the evil that surrounds us.  We take comfort in the fact that as children living in the light, sin and evil has no hold over us.

In order to hear His voice clearly we must deepen our relationship by falling in love with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.  For Christ did say my sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me.  To do this we need to set aside quality time to read the Word of God found in the Bible.  It is Jesus the living Word we seek and will surely find in the pages come to life.  Also prayer time is of utmost importance for it is through prayer we unite ourselves to Him.  Like mary we sit at His feet listening eagerly to what He has to say to us. And like the woman seated with Jesus at the well we are offered living water to drink.  Our contemplative prayer life is how we unite our wills to that of our Lord and God.

And so my sisters and brothers in Christ, as we move forward towards our journey home.  We have Holy Mother church and the Holy Spirit to guide us on our way.  We have our Blessed Mother and all the Saints interceeding for us.  St Paul encourages us not to quench the spirit, to hold fast to all that is good and test everything.  Let us help and encourage one another then to remain steadfast in faith and love.  To always turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospels. So that we too might be crucified in Christ, so that we no longer live but Christ who lives in us. Amen

**
In the early stages of discernment it is advisable to have a Spiritual Director.  A priest, religious or an elder in the Church you can turn to for advice.
**

God our Heavenly Father sent His Son so that we might be saved and be with Him together in His Kingdom.

Blessed indeed is Mary our Mother by God’s grace. Who points us to her Son Jesus Christ.  The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. Blessed are we who receive His Word into our hearts and soul. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Joel 4:12-21

The Lord says this:
‘Let the nations rouse themselves, let them march
to the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for I am going to sit in judgement there
on all the nations round.
Put the sickle in:
the harvest is ripe;
come and tread:
the winepress is full,
the vats are overflowing,
so great is their wickedness!’
Host on host
in the Valley of Decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the Valley of Decision!
Sun and moon grow dark,
the stars lose their brilliance.
The Lord roars from Zion,
makes his voice heard from Jerusalem;
heaven and earth tremble.
But the Lord will be a shelter for his people,
a stronghold for the sons of Israel.
‘You will learn then that I am the Lord your God,
dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain.
Jerusalem will be a holy place,
no alien will ever pass through it again.’
When that day comes,
the mountains will run with new wine
and the hills flow with milk,
and all the river beds of Judah
will run with water.
A fountain will spring from the house of the Lord
to water the wadi of Acacias.
Egypt will become a desolation,
Edom a desert waste
on account of the violence done to the sons of Judah
whose innocent blood they shed in their country.
But Judah will be inhabited for ever,
Jerusalem from age to age.
‘I will avenge their blood and let none go unpunished’,
and the Lord shall make his home in Zion.

Gospel
Luke 11:27-28

As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, ‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’

Many are still struggling with sin. They think of themselves as weak, helpless and so decide to give in or give up.  Unwittingly they allow themselves to be plunged into darkness and gloom. Some having been cleansed find excuses to either dabble a little or on the fringes of sin, they are then sucked into it wholly.

The Good News is then Christ had conquered death and sin! It was never a battle to begin with for He is Almighty. And so by choosing Jesus and turning away from sin, we choose life! The light of Christ will free us from all sin. Sin has no hold over us. So let us encourage one another to remain steadfast, to go often for the Sacrament of reconciliation and to receive Christ in Holy Communion. To receive the necessary Graces to prevail over sin.

Praise and Glory be to Jesus our Lord! Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Joel 1:13-15,2:1-2

Priests, put on sackcloth and lament.
Ministers of the altar, wail.
Come, pass the night in sackcloth,
you ministers of my God.
For the house of our God has been deprived
of oblation and libation.
Order a fast,
proclaim a solemn assembly;
elders, call together
all the inhabitants of the country
to the house of the Lord your God.
Cry out to the Lord,
‘Oh, what a day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
it comes as a devastation from Shaddai.’
Sound the trumpet in Zion,
give the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the country tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming,
yes, it is near.
Day of darkness and gloom,
day of cloud and blackness.
Like the dawn there spreads across the mountains
a vast and mighty host,
such as has never been before,
such as will never be again
to the remotest ages.

Gospel
Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had cast out a devil, some of the people said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven; but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses. So too with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? – Since you assert that it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils. Now if it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils, through whom do your own experts cast them out? Let them be your judges then. But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil.
  ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.
  ‘When an unclean spirit goes out of a man it wanders through waterless country looking for a place to rest, and not finding one it says, “I will go back to the home I came from.” But on arrival, finding it swept and tidied, it then goes off and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and set up house there, so that the man ends up by being worse than he was before.’

Seek always to listen for our Lord’s voice for the voice of our egos are usually louder.  Seek and desire to always do His Will and the Holy Spirit will indeed guide you.

For when we choose to walk in His light we walk in His love. And a reflection of that love is to will the good in another. All we ask we will be given in service of Him and our brethren. Amen

First reading
Malachi 3:13-20

You say harsh things about me, says the Lord. You ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ You say, ‘It is useless to serve God; what is the good of keeping his commands or of walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? Now we have reached the point when we call the arrogant blessed; yes, they prosper, these evil-doers; they try God’s patience and yet go free.’ This is what those who fear the Lord used to say to one another. But the Lord took note and heard them: a book of remembrance was written in his presence recording those who fear him and take refuge in his name. On the day which I am preparing, says the Lord of Hosts, they are going to be my own special possession. I will make allowances for them as a man makes allowances for the son who obeys him. Then once again you will see the difference between an upright man and a wicked one, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him. For the day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Gospel
Luke 11:5-13

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night to say, “My friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house and I have nothing to offer him”; and the man answers from inside the house, “Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up to give it you.” I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it him for friendship’s sake, persistence will be enough to make him get up and give his friend all he wants.
  ‘So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. What father among you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an egg? If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Dearest Blessed Mother, thank you for the most wonderful gift of the Rosary.  For every prayer and reflection points and draws us closer to your Son Jesus. Through the rosary we are strengthened and renewed, for we come to Him and He gives us rest. Your spouse the Holy Spirit emboldens us to live out and proclaim the Gospels as we dwell on the mysteries contained within.

In Today’s readings dear Mother, we learn many things from you. How to trust and say Yes to our Heavenly Father. How we should not be afraid to ask questions if unsure and our Lord will answer. How to accept the answer whatever it may be for it is the Will of God our Father. And to rejoice in Him always.  But most of all to always be prayerful and be part of the community in Christ.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

Our Lady of the Rosary – Memorial

First reading
Acts 1:12-14

After Jesus was taken up into heaven the apostles went back from the Mount of Olives, as it is called, to Jerusalem, a short distance away, no more than a sabbath walk; and when they reached the city they went to the upper room where they were staying; there were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Jude son of James. All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Gospel
Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

Which loving parent would want their child put in harms way or to be playing with harmful things? And so we chide and discipline our children otherwise they may be seriously hurt or even die.

Our loving Father wants us His children to be obedient to His Word. He does not want us to be destroyed by sin!  Jesus was sent to help us,  so that we might listen, be transformed by His love for us;and be saved.

Lord Jesus guide me daily so that I know when I must be busy serving my brethren and when I should just sit and be silent listening to Your Word for me. I endeavour to set aside time for quiet adoration. Amen

First reading
Jonah 3:1-10

The word of the Lord was addressed a second time to Jonah: ‘Up!’ he said ‘Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to them as I told you to.’ Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was a city great beyond compare: it took three days to cross it. Jonah went on into the city, making a day’s journey. He preached in these words, ‘Only forty days more and Nineveh is going to be destroyed.’ And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. The news reached the king of Nineveh, who rose from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth and sat down in ashes. A proclamation was then promulgated throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his ministers, as follows: ‘Men and beasts, herds and flocks, are to taste nothing; they must not eat, they must not drink water. All are to put on sackcloth and call on God with all their might; and let everyone renounce his evil behaviour and the wicked things he has done. Who knows if God will not change his mind and relent, if he will not renounce his burning wrath, so that we do not perish?’ God saw their efforts to renounce their evil behaviour, and God relented: he did not inflict on them the disaster which he had threatened.

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

First reading
Jonah 3:1-10

The word of the Lord was addressed a second time to Jonah: ‘Up!’ he said ‘Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to them as I told you to.’ Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was a city great beyond compare: it took three days to cross it. Jonah went on into the city, making a day’s journey. He preached in these words, ‘Only forty days more and Nineveh is going to be destroyed.’ And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. The news reached the king of Nineveh, who rose from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth and sat down in ashes. A proclamation was then promulgated throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his ministers, as follows: ‘Men and beasts, herds and flocks, are to taste nothing; they must not eat, they must not drink water. All are to put on sackcloth and call on God with all their might; and let everyone renounce his evil behaviour and the wicked things he has done. Who knows if God will not change his mind and relent, if he will not renounce his burning wrath, so that we do not perish?’ God saw their efforts to renounce their evil behaviour, and God relented: he did not inflict on them the disaster which he had threatened.

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

Does race, language, religion or unforgiveness prevent us from helping another in dire need of help? Are we inclined to help only those of whom we deem worthy? How are our eyes not opened to see that we are all God’s children? What is blinding us?

Our Heavenly Father loves all of us and in His mercy He often chooses us to reach out to those who are lost. Especially those in most need of His mercy and love.  Running away from His call to help due to our hang-ups and unwillingness only distances us from Him.  Soon we will find that chaos surrounds us for we had chosen to be alone, indifferent and asleep.

Our Lord is patient and merciful. He gives us time to reflect and ponder over the error of our ways. And when we are ready to live in His light and love. He frees us from the bondage of our sins and fills us with His love. So that we too might love others with His love and extend His mercy towards them. Especially the stranger who is our neighbour!

Praise be Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen

First reading
Jonah 1:1-2:1,11

The word of the Lord was addressed to Jonah son of Amittai:
  ‘Up!’ he said ‘Go to Nineveh, the great city, and inform them that their wickedness has become known to me.’ Jonah decided to run away from the Lord, and to go to Tarshish. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish; he paid his fare and went aboard, to go with them to Tarshish, to get away from the Lord. But the Lord unleashed a violent wind on the sea, and there was such a great storm at sea that the ship threatened to break up. The sailors took fright, and each of them called on his own god, and to lighten the ship they threw the cargo overboard. Jonah, however, had gone below and lain down in the hold and fallen fast asleep. The boatswain came upon him and said, ‘What do you mean by sleeping? Get up! Call on your god! Perhaps he will spare us a thought, and not leave us to die.’ Then they said to each other, ‘Come on, let us draw lots to find out who is responsible for bringing this evil on us.’ So they cast lots, and the lot fell to Jonah. Then they said to him, ‘Tell us, what is your business? Where do you come from? What is your country? What is your nationality?’ He replied, ‘I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.’ The sailors were seized with terror at this and said, ‘What have you done?’ They knew that he was trying to escape from the Lord, because he had told them so. They then said, ‘What are we to do with you, to make the sea grow calm for us?’ For the sea was growing rougher and rougher. He replied, ‘Take me and throw me into the sea, and then it will grow calm for you. For I can see it is my fault this violent storm has happened to you.’ The sailors rowed hard in an effort to reach the shore, but in vain, since the sea grew still rougher for them. They then called on the Lord and said, ‘O the Lord, do not let us perish for taking this man’s life; do not hold us guilty of innocent blood; for you, the Lord, have acted as you have thought right.’ And taking hold of Jonah they threw him into the sea; and the sea grew calm again. At this the men were seized with dread of the Lord; they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.
  The Lord had arranged that a great fish should be there to swallow Jonah; and Jonah remained in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. The Lord spoke to the fish, which then vomited Jonah on to the shore.

Gospel
Luke 10:25-37

There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus ‘do this and life is yours.’
  But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands‘ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’

We should never lose hope, for the Lord knows it is a struggle daily for us to walk in the light.  He is there for us and should we fall He is there to pick us up. Never should we be discouraged our fearful but turn back to Him immediately. His mercy and loving embrace awaits the return of the sinner.

We who choose daily to walk in His light are given the grace to overcome all evil. We are given all we need to lead others into walking in that same joyful light of our Lord.  Let us rejoice for one day soon we will walk with Him in paradise. Amen

First reading
Baruch 4:5-12,27-29

Take courage, my people,
constant reminder of Israel.
You were sold to the nations,
but not for extermination.
You provoked God;
and so were delivered to your enemies,
since you had angered your creator
by offering sacrifices to demons, not to God.
You had forgotten the eternal God who reared you.
You had also grieved Jerusalem who nursed you,
for when she saw the anger fall on you
from God, she said:
Listen, you neighbours of Zion:
God has sent me great sorrow.
I have seen my sons and daughters taken into captivity,
to which they have been sentenced by the Eternal.
I had reared them joyfully;
in tears, in sorrow, I watched them go away.
Do not, any of you, exult over me,
a widow, deserted by so many;
I suffer loneliness because of the sins of my own children,
who turned away from the Law of God.
Take courage, my children, call on God:
he who brought disaster on you will remember you.
As by your will you first strayed away from God,
so now turn back and search for him ten times as hard;
for as he brought down those disasters on you,
so will he rescue you and give you eternal joy.

Gospel
Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’
  It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
  Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

Do we behave like spoilt, disobedient children wanting what we want with no regard for others? No gratitude for the gifts we have received? Using one another to get what we want then discarding like rags in this throw away culture? Do we not then deserve the consequences of our choices made and actions? Always dissatisfied and alone even in a crowd.

We are made for more! God our Father wants each and everyone of us to be the best version of ourselves. For in His great love we are created in His image.  And His image is love!  His love wills the good in us. So must we love with that same love of willing the good in another. We are His children and so let us cling to the Holiness of our Heavenly Father knowing He will provide for all we need. Let us love one another as He loves us. Amen

First reading
Baruch 1:15-22

Integrity belongs to the Lord our God; to us the look of shame we wear today, to us, the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem, to our kings and princes, our priests, our prophets, as to our ancestors, because we have sinned in the sight of the Lord, have disobeyed him, and have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God telling us to follow the commandments which the Lord had ordained for us. From the day when the Lord brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, we have been disloyal, refusing to listen to his voice. And so the disasters, and the curse which the Lord pronounced through his servant Moses the day he brought our fathers out of Egypt to give us a land where milk and honey flow, have seized on us, disasters we experience today. Despite all the words of those prophets whom he sent us, we have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God, but, each following the dictates of his evil heart, we have taken to serving alien gods, and doing what is displeasing to the Lord our God.

Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5,10

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

Today as we gathered to reflect and share on Evangelii Gaudium,  one of the the items we shared was how little we affirm others if at all.  On my journey hope I reflected a little more on this and this came to mind.

If we look upon giving affirmation as extending the love of Christ, would we not do it more?

Are we one people united as one before God our Father in the Eucharistic Celebration? Or have we come individually to worship? Have we greeted one another and welcomed one another? Do we come eager to hear the Word of the Lord proclaimed and then to listen attentively to the homily? Do we truly celebrate the love of God present in the Eucharist? 

If we have come with one heart and mind to worship our Lord and God. And embraced His Word into our very being. Then we would have rejoiced at receiving Jesus into our very bodies. For His abundant love and grace would be poured into us.

And at the end of the celebration with gladden hearts we would surely go as we are sent to share His love and the Good news with everyone.  Spending time sharing and building His Kingdom. So as to gather His children unto Him.

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

First reading
Nehemiah 8:1-12

When the seventh month came, all the people gathered as one man on the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses which the Lord had prescribed for Israel. Accordingly Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women, and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
  Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose; beside him stood, on his right, Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; on his left, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. In full view of all the people – since he stood higher than all the people – Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’; then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. (Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabab, Hanan, Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people remained standing.) And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read.
  Then (Nehemiah – His Excellency – and) Ezra, priest and scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.’ For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law.
  He then said, ‘Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.’ And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be at ease; this is a sacred day. Do not be sad.’ And all the people went off to eat and drink and give shares away and begin to enjoy themselves since they had understood the meaning of what had been proclaimed to them.

Gospel
Luke 10:1-12

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’