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Today I told a Caucasian guy scrolling through Facebook on his mobile during mass, “hey mate no mobiles in church.” He tailed me and insisted I answer his question after repeating it a few times. “Are you a Bishop?” I began with God bless you followed by we are on sacred ground. He went on to say that he was checking messages as he his wife has a friend who has cancer and was checking up on the friend. I informed him be could do so outside. He grunted and went back to his seat. Both he and his wife continued to go through the mobile and talked throughout the homily.

I realised then since both were wearing shorts that it was no point engaging them further. They were probably there out of a distant sense of obligation. And so will continue to pray they encounter Christ in a deep meaningful way.

As to the question am I a Bishop? I would have liked to respond this way… “No brother I am not a Bishop, but I know better then to disrespect my Lord Jesus Christ in the tabernacle, in the Word, in His Church, in the Priest that stands before us in persona Christi and at Holy Eucharist.” Amen

On Dressing up for the Eucharistic Celebration

Why make a big deal about dressing up for the Eucharistic Celebration? Afterall the Lord knows what is in my heart, he himself wore sandals and a robe! Those who insist we dress us are simply stiff necks who needs to get a life! Yes I can identify with all the above statements because I had uttered them myself. Such bravado comes from misplaced pride and certainly not from having any real relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I was growing in my faith I decided to try and attend morning Mass as often as I could mostly on Saturdays. I even wore Bermudas or track pants from time to time. Slowly as I started growing in love with my Lord, I began to feel uneasy about simply dressing down instead of up. The reality sunk in that if He is truly the Lord of Lords, King of Kings in my mind and heart how could I not reverent Him as I should? How could I continue to take short cuts, cut corners in my faith. Was I not standing on sacred ground where my Lord resides?

We have a higher calling as disciples, to be witnesses of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ working in our lives. Can we then show up to serve him in our sleeping attire, beach wear etc. instead of offering the very best of ourselves, morning, noon or night! Most church ministries will have their own code of conduct or handbook which members are required to adhere to as something basic and foundational. What good is it to have them if members do not see themselves as disciples after Christ obedient unto Him and the leaders He has sent?
We must know that we too can be sacraments of the faith we hold dear. An outward sign of an inward grace. By our dressing and our demeanour we can lead others into the sacred. Especially those of us who serve in ministry or some other ways in our Parish, we have to be aware that parishioners are observing us at all times whether we realise it or not.

So sisters and brothers, if you truly love the Lord Your God then you will most definitely dress up for Him. And I promise You that by simply dressing up for Him, you and your family will be greatly Blessed. You will slowly begin to witness an inward change within yourselves, a greater sense of worship and love for the Lord Your God. Amen

You would think by now that with a few years of experience, a faith that is quite strong I would not be subject to fear and feelings of inadequacy. Well you and I would both be wrong!

I have been approached twice by two different ministries to take the lead in two separate spiritual matters. I had agreed to both and now wonder how will I be able to deliver that will bring glory to the Lord? Can I feed His sheep and lambs the way I’m expected to? Can I give my all, more so in terms of time?

Yes I know if I remain steadfast in prayer, faith and in His love, He will be there to guide and strengthen me. Thing is I will need prayers not just my own to remain so……

Dearest Blessed Mother, through your intercession, I pray for all mothers. They give life, nurture and nourish their children. Often through great personal sacrifice. Watch over them and keep them in your loving embrace. May they continue to emulate your gentleness, care and love. Through Christ your Son, our Lord and saviour. Amen

Healing Mass 4th May 2019

Awesome is the love of our Lord for His people. For many were restored and healed.

For me personally I have a condition where the cervical space between two areas in my neck have deteriorated over the years and of late I suffer terrible pains with the pressing down on the nerve. After the service it had improved tremendously. Praise the Lord!

But my main testimony is about the love and mercy of my Risen Lord. I had lost my temper with my son the night before for shoving his brother around. When I shouted out for him to stop he went so far as to try and head butt his brother. I hit him a few times then wanted to take a hockey stick to him but was held back. When I calmed down eventually my neck was hurt and throbbing. I explained my anger to my sons, especially when it occurred under my roof and their refusal to stop escalating the situation even after I stepped in. I was dismayed at myself for losing it even momentarily and was hoping to seek the Sacrament of reconciliation the next morning but no priest was available. Even though I knew in my heart I was forgiven during the Eucharistic Celebration I did not want to take His mercy and love for granted.

During the healing mass that evening I renewed my commitment to the Lord at the start. I told Him I would serve Him in any way I was called and at any time. Though I was certainly not expecting that He would call me that very evening. During the praise and worship session as I closed my eyes for a time, I saw a vision of Jesus laying His head on my shoulder. I felt loved and trusted even though I had led him down by my transgression. Then during the Eucharistic Celebration, just as Holy Communion was about to start, a member of the Gloria Patri Ministry asked if I could help as an extra ordinary minister of Holy Communion! It did not matter that I was now serving as a Steward of the Banquet aka warden in my Parish and thought I would never again have an opportunity to serve in that capacity. Of course I was overjoyed to do so. Then I recalled the time when I served as vice chair in that ministry and would remind everyone especially the newbies that as EMHCs, Holy Communion was the last thing we did. We were disciples first and foremost and served the community in any way and by the way we gave communion! I suppose in my heart I would always be a communion minister with the primary role to lead others to reverent, love and cherish Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Later during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as Joe the leader was quoting from the book of revelation, I had another powerful vision. In my arms I was carrying the lamb! Not that I was worthy to do so but rather He made me worthy! He loved and trusted me to do so. The same way He trusted my hands to place Him in the hands of His flock or on their tongues. I could not hold back my tears. Why did He love me so? Perhaps because He loved me first, He will ask the very same question He asked St Peter…. Do you Love me? And my answer must be in my love put to action for Him and for brethren.

Today 5th May I managed to go for the Sacrament of reconciliation this morning and then shared the joy of the Risen Lord with my ministry members through the Gospel reflection and will do so again in the afternoon. Glory and Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen alleluia!

Today in our Parish the Church of St Anthony, after the 3pm Good Friday service we returned at 6:30pm for the unnailing vespers.

After hearing the echo of our voices in the crowd shouting crucify him, crucify him at the 3pm service, it was refreshing to join the ranks of his disciples Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus as they brought our Lord down from the cross. It was very touching for many as we sang with one voice the vespers while witnessing the unnailing and at the very end the carrying off an almost life size Jesus. There was a certain feel of a more complete tridium this year.

Yes it will only end with Easter Sunday vespers which is something I look forward too, however we who attended this evening vespers are certainly thankful for the unique experience.

Praise and glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Does our Lord Jesus Christ have to constantly convince us that He is the one true God sent by our Heavenly Father to save us all from death?

If not why then are we constantly unfaithful? Why do we choose sin over love for Him? Why do we hold on to unforgiveness of others when this distances ourselves from Him? Why do we not make every effort and time to hear His voice through prayer and the reading of His Word but are willing to be fully absorbed by our work, television, social media, games and other pleasures?

Lord Jesus I hear Your call to be faithful to Your Word and lift up to You my desire and intention to do this today and everyday. May the Holy Spirit be with me to show me the path to eternal life with You. Amen

First reading

Genesis 17:3-9 †
Abraham, the father of a multitude of nations

Abram bowed to the ground and God said this to him, ‘Here now is my covenant with you: you shall become the father of a multitude of nations. You shall no longer be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I make you father of a multitude of nations. I will make you most fruitful. I will make you into nations, and your issue shall be kings. I will establish my Covenant between myself and you, and your descendants after you, generation after generation, a Covenant in perpetuity, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land you are living in, the whole land of Canaan, to own in perpetuity, and I will be your God.’

Gospel

John 8:51-59
Your father Abraham saw my Day and was glad

Jesus said to the Jews:

‘I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’

The Jews said, ‘Now we know for certain that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?’ Jesus answered:

‘If I were to seek my own glory that would be no glory at all; my glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, “He is our God” although you do not know him.
But I know him, and if I were to say: I do not know him, I should be a liar, as you are liars yourselves.
But I do know him, and I faithfully keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad.’

The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied:

‘I tell you most solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I Am.’

At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.

Stubbornness of heart, refusing to repent and come back to the Lord our God. Thinking your job is going to provide all you need for yourself and one or two loved ones who depend on you and of whom you care for. You choose what, when and why and no one not even God is going to tell you otherwise. You say I don’t care what others say, so what if they have good intentions? They should not invade into my private affairs!

Do you even listen to yourself speak? Do you not realise you have made yourself into the molten calf? You have made yourself the centre of the universe, there is no room for the Lord Your God. No faux piety or prayer will be heard for the Lord sees into your heart. Come now be sensible, without the love of God in your heart, you cannot love the ones you profess to love the way you ought to. The nature of the sinful God-free life you choose prevents you from truly loving and caring.

Jesus came so that you might have life to the full in Him. Turn your heart towards Him. He wants to take your hand and lead you into the promised land. It is time to let go of your past and look to the future with and in Him. Amen

Pray for me as I do for you…

First reading

Exodus 32:7-14 †
Moses pleads with the Lord his God to spare Israel

The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”’ the Lord said to Moses, ‘I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.’
But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Why let the Egyptians say, “Ah, it was in treachery that he brought them out, to do them to death in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth”? Leave your burning wrath; relent and do not bring this disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants to whom by your own self you swore and made this promise: I will make your offspring as many as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I promised I will give to your descendants, and it shall be their heritage for ever.’
So the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Gospel

John 5:31-47
You place your hopes on Moses but Moses will be your accuser

Jesus said to the Jews:

‘Were I to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid; but there is another witness who can speak on my behalf, and I know that his testimony is valid.
You sent messengers to John,
and he gave his testimony to the truth: not that I depend on human testimony; no, it is for your salvation that I speak of this.
John was a lamp alight and shining and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave.
But my testimony is greater than John’s: the works my Father has given me to carry out, these same works of mine testify that the Father has sent me.
Besides, the Father who sent me bears witness to me himself. You have never heard his voice, you have never seen his shape,
and his word finds no home in you because you do not believe in the one he has sent.

‘You study the scriptures,
believing that in them you have eternal life; now these same scriptures testify to me, and yet you refuse to come to me for life!
As for human approval, this means nothing to me. Besides, I know you too well: you have no love of God in you.
I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name
you will accept him.
How can you believe, since you look to one another for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God?
Do not imagine that I am going to accuse you before the Father: you place your hopes on Moses, and Moses will be your accuser.
If you really believed him
you would believe me too,
since it was I that he was writing about; but if you refuse to believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say?’

There are indeed illnesses and conditions that are caused as a result of sin though not all. That being said, it is not for us to start judging others as to whom committed what and as a result is paying the price for this and that sin. What we must all do individually, is to examine our very own conscience and to pray to the Holy Spirit to show us the truth of what we have done and what we have failed to do. Then we turn to Jesus with contrite hearts who is waiting to restore us. Who will ask us do we want to be well? To be free of the sin that plagues our wretched bodies? To be fully restored and guilt free? Our act of contrition is our Yes to Him.

Our merciful and loving Lord instituted His Holy Church by which His graces flow. He provided for us a means to be fully reconciled with the Lord our God through the Sacrament of reconciliation and to be nourished and strengthened through the Holy Eucharist so as to be fruitful. Let us then be grateful as we are joyful to receive the sacraments and glorify Him by the way we live out the Gospel in our lives. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 47:1-9,12 †
Wherever the water flows, it will bring life and health

The angel brought me to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple faced east. The water flowed from under the right side of the Temple, south of the altar. He took me out by the north gate and led me right round outside as far as the outer east gate where the water flowed out on the right-hand side. The man went to the east holding his measuring line and measured off a thousand cubits; he then made me wade across the stream; the water reached my ankles. He measured off another thousand and made me wade across the stream again; the water reached my knees. He measured off another thousand and made me wade across again; the water reached my waist. He measured off another thousand; it was now a river which I could not cross; the stream had swollen and was now deep water, a river impossible to cross. He then said, ‘Do you see, son of man?’ He took me further, then brought me back to the bank of the river. When I got back, there were many trees on each bank of the river. He said, ‘This water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal.’

Gospel

John 5:1-3,5-16
The healing at the pool of Bethesda

There was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem there is a building, called Bethzatha in Hebrew, consisting of five porticos; and under these were crowds of sick people – blind, lame, paralysed – waiting for the water to move. One man there had an illness which had lasted thirty-eight years, and when Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been in this condition for a long time, he said, ‘Do you want to be well again?’ ‘Sir,’ replied the sick man ‘I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is disturbed; and while I am still on the way, someone else gets there before me.’ Jesus said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping-mat and walk.’ The man was cured at once, and he picked up his mat and walked away.
Now that day happened to be the sabbath, so the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; you are not allowed to carry your sleeping-mat.’ He replied, ‘But the man who cured me told me, “Pick up your mat and walk.”’ They asked, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Pick up your mat and walk”?’ The man had no idea who it was, since Jesus had disappeared into the crowd that filled the place. After a while Jesus met him in the Temple and said, ‘Now you are well again, be sure not to sin any more, or something worse may happen to you.’ The man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had cured him. It was because he did things like this on the sabbath that the Jews began to persecute Jesus.

The Lord our God loves us dearly and only wants the best for us. That is to live most fully in His love. And so if we say we truly love Him with all our heart then we must be obedient to Him in all things. There can be no other gods, no idols for there is only one true living God! For God Himself came to redeem us when no one could or would. Glory and Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes indeed if we love God with all our heart, mind and strength we are not far from the kingdom of God. How much closer we are, is the distance of our love and hearts put into action for the least of our brethren. The sick, poor, hungry, widowed, thirsty, prisoner, orphans and those who cannot fend for themselves.

Lord let me walk in Your ways. Grant me the grace to remain steadfast and to grow in love for You and neighbour. Amen

First reading

Hosea 14:2-10
A call to conversion and promise of safety

The Lord says this:

Israel, come back to the Lord your God;your iniquity was the cause of your downfall.
Provide yourself with words
and come back to the Lord.
Say to him, ‘Take all iniquity away so that we may have happiness again
and offer you our words of praise.
Assyria cannot save us,
we will not ride horses any more,or say, “Our God!” to what our own hands have made,
for you are the one in whom orphans find compassion.’
– I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them with all my heart,
for my anger has turned from them.
I will fall like dew on Israel. He shall bloom like the lily, and thrust out roots like the poplar,
his shoots will spread far;
he will have the beauty of the olive and the fragrance of Lebanon.
They will come back to live in my shade; they will grow corn that flourishes,
they will cultivate vines
as renowned as the wine of Helbon.
What has Ephraim to do with idols any more when it is I who hear his prayer and care for him?
I am like a cypress ever green, all your fruitfulness comes from me.

Let the wise man understand these words. Let the intelligent man grasp their meaning.
For the ways of the Lord are straight, and virtuous men walk in them, but sinners stumble.

Gospel

Mark 12:28-34
‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’

One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him any more.

Forgive and remember you had forgiven.

Through His love and divine mercy our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us our sins, healed and restored us so as to live in His love. And to live in His love is to be merciful just as He is merciful. For to say we love Him is to extend His love and mercy to all. Not a selective few but to all!

Forgive and remember you had forgiven.

To withhold mercy and forgiveness is to have mercy and forgiveness withheld from us. For in our Lord’s prayer He taught us to pray, forgive us our trespassers as we forgive those who trespass against us. Therefore a life lived in the Lord, is one of mercy. Through the powerful grace of Jesus our Lord who died on the cross we can forgive all hurts, pains done to us. So when we forgive, we remember our Lord’s divine mercy and love for us, we remember His grace upon us and we forgive all.

Forgive and remember you had forgiven. Amen

First reading

Daniel 3:25,34-43
Let our sacrifice to you today be a contrite soul and humbled spirit

Azariah stood in the heart of the fire, and he began to pray:

Oh! Do not abandon us for ever for the sake of your name; do not repudiate your covenant, do not withdraw your favour from us,
for the sake of Abraham, your friend, of Isaac your servant, and of Israel your holy one, to whom you promised descendants as countless as the stars of heaven and as the grains of sand on the seashore. Lord, now we are the least of all the nations, now we are despised throughout the world, today, because of our sins.
We have at this time no leader, no prophet, no prince, no holocaust, no sacrifice, no oblation, no incense, no place where we can offer you the first-fruits
and win your favour.
But may the contrite soul, the humbled spirit be as acceptable to you as holocausts of rams and bullocks, as thousands of fattened lambs: such let our sacrifice be to you today,
and may it be your will that we follow you wholeheartedly, since those who put their trust in you will not be disappointed.
And now we put our whole heart into following you,
into fearing you and seeking your face once more.
Do not disappoint us; treat us gently, as you yourself are gentle and very merciful.
Grant us deliverance worthy of your wonderful deeds, let your name win glory, Lord.

Gospel

Matthew 18:21-35
To be forgiven, you must forgive

Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.
‘And so the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle his accounts with his servants. When the reckoning began, they brought him a man who owed ten thousand talents; but he had no means of paying, so his master gave orders that he should be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, to meet the debt. At this, the servant threw himself down at his master’s feet. “Give me time” he said “and I will pay the whole sum.” And the servant’s master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt. Now as this servant went out, he happened to meet a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him by the throat and began to throttle him. “Pay what you owe me” he said. His fellow servant fell at his feet and implored him, saying, “Give me time and I will pay you.” But the other would not agree; on the contrary, he had him thrown into prison till he should pay the debt. His fellow servants were deeply distressed when they saw what had happened, and they went to their master and reported the whole affair to him. Then the master sent for him. “You wicked servant,” he said “I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?” And in his anger the master handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.’

God our loving Father willed that His children be saved from the darkness of sin. And He chose a loving mother to bear His only Begotten Son, the Light of the world. So that through His Son our Lord and saviour Jesus, the ransom of sin will be paid in full. So that we can live freely in His love. Mary who said Yes to our loving Father in Heaven also acceded to her Son’s request to be our mother. She is our loving mother, Queen of Heaven.

Every Hail Mary we invoke, causes the seed of faith and love within us to grow and eventuality bear fruit. Both for love of brethren and of the love of the Lord our God. Through our Blessed mother’s intercession we are guarded against evil, our hearts, thoughts and actions made pure. Let us turn to her for guidance so that all we say and do may be pleasing to her Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

First reading

Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10 †
The maiden is with child

The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’
Then he said:

Listen now, House of David:
are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men
without trying the patience of my God, too?
The Lord himself, therefore,
will give you a sign.
It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel a name which means ‘God is with us.’

Second reading

Hebrews 10:4-10 †
God’s will was for us to be made holy by the offering of his body made once and for all by Jesus Christ.

Bulls’ blood and goats’ blood are useless for taking away sins, and this is what Christ said, on coming into the world:

You who wanted no sacrifice or oblation,
prepared a body for me.
You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin;then I said,just as I was commanded in the scroll of the book,‘God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.’

Notice that he says first: You did not want what the Law lays down as the things to be offered, that is: the sacrifices, the oblations, the holocausts and the sacrifices for sin, and you took no pleasure in them; and then he says: Here I am! I am coming to obey your will. He is abolishing the first sort to replace it with the second. And this will was for us to be made holy by the offering of his body made once and for all by Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Luke 1:26-38
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord’

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.

It is very good indeed to want to take up the leadership role. To be counted as one who led the flock of the Lord our God into His Heavenly fold. However how many truly have this goal in their hearts? How many are willing to suffer and die if need be for the sake of His sheep? To be fully obedient to the Lord our God and His Church and to accept the good counsel of the Holy Spirit which may lead us in an entirely different direction from what we planned?

The voices of the world grow louder each day and they demand to have leaders stand up for their causes. To legalise abortion, same sex marriages, to have female priests serve in the churches, to allow human cloning and so on. Even some ‘leaders’ in the church are enticed into gaining popularity by agreeing with them. When will they heed the word of God who says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Lord Jesus if Your call is for me to be a leader then mould me and make me one after Your own heart. To serve and not to be served. To lay down my life if need be for You and my brethren, all for Your Glory alone. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 18:18-20
My enemies are digging a pit for me

‘Come on,’ they said, ‘let us concoct a plot against Jeremiah; the priest will not run short of instruction without him, nor the sage of advice, nor the prophet of the word. Come on, let us hit at him with his own tongue; let us listen carefully to every word he says.’

Listen to me, O Lord,
hear what my adversaries are saying.
Should evil be returned for good?
For they are digging a pit for me.
Remember how I stood in your presence to plead on their behalf, to turn your wrath away from them.

Gospel

Matthew 20:17-28
They will condemn the Son of Man to death

Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’
When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary our Mother, foster father of Jesus. I chose his name for my confirmation and his is the middle name for both my sons.

Why? Because although he appears silent in the Gospels he speaks volumes by his obedience, faith and most of all his love put into action for his family and by extension the family of God our Father. A humble carpenter by trade, a loving husband, a doting father who strived to keep his family safe. His faith in God was unwavering in spite of the challenges and hardship he had to face. Truly a model I want to follow! He bore his own cross silently just as his son would eventually do.

St Joseph pray for us… Amen

First reading

2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16 †
The Lord will give him the throne of his ancestor David

The word of the Lord came to Nathan:
‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: “When your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. (It is he who shall build a house for my name, and I will make his royal throne secure for ever.) I will be a father to him and he a son to me; if he does evil, I will punish him with the rod such as men use, with strokes such as mankind gives. Yet I will not withdraw my favour from him, as I withdrew it from your predecessor. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’

Second reading

Romans 4:13,16-18,22 †
Abraham hoped, and he believed

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. This is the faith that was ‘considered as justifying him.’

Gospel

Matthew 1:16,18-21,24
How Jesus Christ came to be born

Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do.

Blessed, anointed, set apart that is our call to faithfulness to and in the Lord our God. A call to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.

Can we then love the stranger the same way we love our family? Can we choose to love those who hurt us? Can we welcome and embrace the outcast in society? Can we help those who cannot help themselves? If we call ourselves Christians, disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ them the answers must be Yes! For we indeed have a higher calling as children of God our Father.

To answer the call to Holiness is allow ourselves to be fully united with the Lord our God. For it is only through our Lord Jesus Christ that our love for Him and brethren is perfected. Only through Him can we love the way we should and put that love into action.

O Lord You are the Potter and I am the clay. Perfect what is lacking in me Lord that I may glorify You always in all I say and do. Amen

First reading

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 †
You will be a people consecrated to the Lord

Moses said to the people: ‘The Lord your God today commands you to observe these laws and customs; you must keep and observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
‘You have today made this declaration about the Lord: that he will be your God, but only if you follow his ways, keep his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and listen to his voice. And the Lord has today made this declaration about you: that you will be his very own people as he promised you, but only if you keep all his commandments; then for praise and renown and honour he will set you high above all the nations he has made, and you will be a people consecrated to the Lord, as he promised.’

Gospel

Matthew 5:43-48
Pray for those who persecute you

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

With the recent scandals and the word ‘Catholic’ linked to them, how can we not feel dismayed? How can we not feel for the victims? How can we not be a little outraged ourselves? But one thing we Must Not do is be ashamed of our Catholic faith. Our faith and love in our Lord Jesus Christ is what prevents us from falling into such sins and worse ones. We need to be steadfast in our prayers, always deepening our relationship with Jesus and living His Word. Awake and on guard, for evil lurks to trip us!

Our merciful Lord Jesus Christ forgave us all our sins from the cross in which He hung. Therefore turn to Him always, in our weaknesses, our hurts, our pains. Let His mercy and grace be upon us so that we can love as He loves, forgive as He forgives. I must carry my cross, you must carry yours. We must carry our crosses otherwise we will be crushed under the weight of it. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 18:21-28 †
I prefer to see the wicked man renounce his wickedness and live

Thus says the Lord:
‘If the wicked man renounces all the sins he has committed, respects my laws and is law-abiding and honest, he will certainly live; he will not die. All the sins he committed will be forgotten from then on; he shall live because of the integrity he has practised. What! Am I likely to take pleasure in the death of a wicked man – it is the Lord who speaks – and not prefer to see him renounce his wickedness and live?
‘But if the upright man renounces his integrity, commits sin, copies the wicked man and practises every kind of filth, is he to live? All the integrity he has practised shall be forgotten from then on; but this is because he himself has broken faith and committed sin, and for this he shall die. But you object, “What the Lord does is unjust.” Listen, you House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust? When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed. When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins; he shall certainly live; he shall not die.’

Gospel

Matthew 5:20-26
Anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.’

Prayer, fasting and alms giving. The three pillars of Lent. Fasting and alms giving the two wings of prayer. These have been communicated strongly and beautifully by our Catholic Church and for very good reason. It strengthens and deepens our relationship with God our Father as He is present to us when our hearts cry out to Him through these spiritual exercises.

When we do so, we empty and purge ourselves of all that is not of Him. We create space for the indwelling of our almighty and living God. We are more fully connected to Him thereby allowing us to greater fasting from anger, unforgiveness, pride, sexual temptations, ingratitude, self centredness and more. Jesus who becomes more fully the centre of our lives is thereby glorified through our words and deeds.

Lord Jesus as I fast this day for You, take away all that is not of You. Fill me Lord with your presence and Your love. Amen

First reading

Isaiah 58:1-9 †
The sort of fast that pleases me

Thus says the Lord:

Shout for all you are worth, raise your voice like a trumpet. Proclaim their faults to my people, their sins to the House of Jacob.

They seek me day after day, they long to know my ways,
like a nation that wants to act with integrity and not ignore the law of its God.

They ask me for laws that are just,they long for God to draw near:
‘Why should we fast if you never see it,why do penance if you never notice?’

Look, you do business on your fast-days,you oppress all your workmen; look, you quarrel and squabble when you fast and strike the poor man with your fist.

Fasting like yours today will never make your voice heard on high.
Is that the sort of fast that pleases me, a truly penitential day for men?

Hanging your head like a reed,lying down on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call fasting,a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me – it is the Lord who speaks – to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke, to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, to clothe the man you see to be naked and not turn from your own kin?
Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over.

Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you.
Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’

Gospel

Matthew 9:14-15
When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast

John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’

Truly what is life without Christ Jesus? For anyone who has encountered Him will tell you that He is the truth, the way and the life! He is the fount of life, therefore choose life.

Life is empty without Him, a constant nagging of the heart searching for more, wanting more. Therefore choose life.

Sin is too heavy a burden to bear and which leads to death. Humble yourself, confess and repent. Therefore choose life.

Fact is, life is only fulfilled in the service of others. Willing the good in another. Therefore choose life.

When we die to ourselves, when we bear the cross for His sake, when we face the challenges, the pain we bear for the good of others, we know with unwavering faith that we will rise to new life with our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore choose life.

Lord Jesus I choose You above all, I choose life. Amen

First reading

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 †
I set before you today life or death, blessing or curse

Moses said to the people: ‘See, today I set before you life and prosperity, death and disaster. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin on you today, if you love the Lord your God and follow his ways, if you keep his commandments, his laws, his customs, you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you are entering to make your own. But if your heart strays, if you refuse to listen, if you let yourself be drawn into worshipping other gods and serving them, I tell you today, you will most certainly perish; you will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today: I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of the Lord your God, obeying his voice, clinging to him; for in this your life consists, and on this depends your long stay in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob he would give them.’

Gospel

Luke 9:22-25
Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’
Then to all he said:
‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?’

Today marks the beginning of our annual ‘retreat’ in which we are given yet another opportunity to return to the heart of the Lord our God, to grow deeper in our faith and in our relationship with Him.

Saints and sinners alike embark together on this Lenten journey of great spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, alms giving but most of all through the dying of self. Always keeping in mind that we will rise most fully alive in the joy of our resurrected Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!

Lord Jesus as I begin this Lenten journey to grow more deeply in my love for You, grant me the grace to persevere and remain steadfast in Your love. Amen

First reading

Joel 2:12-18 †
Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn

‘Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart,
fasting, weeping, mourning.’
Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn,
turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness,
and ready to relent.
Who knows if he will not turn again, will not relent,
will not leave a blessing as he passes, oblation and libation
for the Lord your God?

Sound the trumpet in Zion!
Order a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, call the people together, summon the community, assemble the elders, gather the children,
even the infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom and the bride her alcove.
Between vestibule and altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, lament.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, Lord!
Do not make your heritage a thing of shame, a byword for the nations.
Why should it be said among the nations, “Where is their God?”’

Then the Lord, jealous on behalf of his land, took pity on his people.

Second reading
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Be reconciled to God

We are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As his fellow workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you have received. For he says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation.

Gospel

Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.
‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’

Can anyone of us boldly declare, I am leaving everything behind to follow Jesus? Well perhaps a few more questions for deeper reflection will help us decide if we can, even though we should.

Can you give without grumbling? Especially when you are on a very tight and slim budget, can you still give cheerfully?

Can you let go of all unforgiveness, hurts and pain entrusting it all to the healing power of the Lord?

Can you Not count the cost of your sacrifice in servitude of the Lord Your God and brethren?

Are you still afraid to speak about Jesus and to share your faith in Him? When you will highly likely be ‘persecuted’ or rejected especially by those close to you, family, close friends?

Can you let go of all worldly attachments? Mobile devices, games, social media, television, shopping sprees, regular social drinking, clubbing and so on?

Can you serve the Lord your God without want of affirmation or recognition?

Are you willing to lay down your life for a friend as Christ did?

For many most if not all the above is impossible. But let us be reminded by what Christ spoke to us in yesterday’s Gospel ‘For men’ he said ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’ We simply need to grow in our faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ. In doing so it will only come naturally to leave everything behind to follow Him. Amen

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15 †
Give to the Most High as he has given to you

A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law; he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments.
By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour,
by giving alms he offers a sacrifice of praise.
Withdraw from wickedness and the Lord will be pleased,
withdraw from injustice and you make atonement.
Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence;for all these things are due under the commandment.
A virtuous man’s offering graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High.
A virtuous man’s sacrifice is acceptable,its memorial will not be forgotten.
Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring.
Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford;
for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.
Offer him no bribe, he will not accept it, do not put your faith in an unvirtuous sacrifice; since the Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages.

Gospel

Mark 10:28-31
Whoever has left everything for the sake of the gospel will be repaid

At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘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, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
‘Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’

Simply put, if you want to board the flight to heaven there are two kinds of baggage you cannot carry with you on board. These are prohibited, sin of every kind and accumulated wealth, riches. All your accolades and credentials will not gain you entry.

The only way is through a life lived in love, honour, praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of humble servitude of Him and our brethren. One of Holiness, constant repentance and rejection of sin. We are therefore called to be saints! Indeed difficult and challenging but not impossible, for everything is possible through the grace of the Lord our God.

Lord Jesus as You gaze upon us lovingly, grant us the fortitude to reject all temptation and sin. Let Your grace be upon us as we submit ourselves to Your Holy will. Amen

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28 †
Return to the Lord and leave sin behind

To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope.
Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence.
Come back to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hold in abhorrence all that is foul.
Who will praise the Most High in Sheol, if the living do not do so by giving glory to him?
To the dead, as to those who do not exist, praise is unknown, only those with life and health can praise the Lord.
How great is the mercy of the Lord, his pardon on all those who turn towards him!

Gospel

Mark 10:17-27
Give everything you own to the poor, and follow me

Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’ And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’ Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, ‘My children,’ he said to them ‘how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were more astonished than ever. ‘In that case’ they said to one another ‘who can be saved?’ Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he said ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’

Bless You Father creator of Heaven and Earth. You have created me in Your likeness and image. You have given me life, wisdom and understanding. And I remain in awe of Your wondrous creations, the magnitude of the love that goes into Your designs. I praise You Father for all Good comes from You and all in Your love.

Most of all I thank You Father for the precious gift of Your Son, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ of whom we are able to retain our childlike innocence. For He restores our sanctity, our image distorted by sin. And gathers and unites us to be One in Him.

Look with Favour on Your children, keep us free from sin and bring us to everlasting life with You. Amen

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 17:1-13 †
Their ways cannot be hidden from his sight

The Lord fashioned man from the earth, to consign him back to it.
He gave them so many days’ determined time, he gave them authority over everything on earth.
He clothed them with strength like his own, and made them in his own image.
He filled all living things with dread of man, making him master over beasts and birds.
He shaped for them a mouth and tongue, eyes and ears, and gave them a heart to think with.
He filled them with knowledge and understanding, and revealed to them good and evil.
He put his own light in their hearts to show them the magnificence of his works.
They will praise his holy name, as they tell of his magnificent works.
He set knowledge before them, he endowed them with the law of life.
Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice.
He said to them, ‘Beware of all wrong-doing’; he gave each a commandment concerning his neighbour.
Their ways are always under his eye, they cannot be hidden from his sight.

Gospel

Mark 10:13-16
It is to such as these little children that the kingdom of God belongs

People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus grant me Your wisdom so that I may speak and act always according to Your Holy will. Amen

Do we pray as such each and everytime before any meeting, encounter, decision to be made, advice to give or not to give and so on. For if it is the wisdom of the Lord we seek just as King Solomon, the Lord our God will be delighted and grant our prayer.

With and in His wisdom we will not turn into our own Spirituality as if we were somewhat exclusive. We will not be suspicious of those who in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord has done well in bringing others back to Him. Working miracles and wonders with the gifts bestowed upon invoking the precious, Holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ! We will embrace one another’s gifts as given to build His Kingdom NOT our very own. The more we give away the more we shall receive.

Lord Jesus, thy Will be done now and forever. Amen

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 4:12-22
Whoever loves wisdom loves life

Wisdom brings up her own sons, and cares for those who seek her.
Whoever loves her loves life,
those who wait on her early will be filled happiness.
Whoever holds her close will inherit honour, and wherever he walks the Lord will bless him.
Those who serve her minister to the Holy One,and the Lord loves those who love her.
Whoever obeys her judges aright, and whoever pays attention to her dwells secure.
If he trusts himself to her he will inherit her, and his descendants will remain in possession of her; for though she takes him at first through winding ways, bringing fear and faintness on him, plaguing him with her discipline until she can trust him, and testing him with her ordeals, in the end she will lead him back to the straight road and reveal her secrets to him.
If he wanders away she will abandon him, and hand him over to his fate.

Gospel

Mark 9:38-40
You must not stop anyone from working miracles in my name

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’

Any true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ must heed the Word of God (first reading) taken from Sirach also known as Ecclesiasticus. For without a doubt having served long enough you will be tested in fire and some chosen like I have been, in the furnace of humiliation. Be steadfast and cling to our Lord Jesus Christ who will never leave you.

Indeed these words are true. While I held steadfast in my faith and love for Him, I did not stay put in where I was. I needed time to heal and recollect. The Lord taught me patience and humility. That God my Father loved me dearly with all my faults and shortcomings. That I should love God our Father’s other children, naughty, prideful and however stubborn they may be; just as He loved me! We can be assured that our Lord Jesus Christ, will make crooked paths straight and He will always be by our side.

His grace is sufficient for us, we can love just as He loves us. Amen

First reading

Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 †
The chosen are tested like gold in the fire

My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord,prepare yourself for an ordeal.
Be sincere of heart, be steadfast,and do not be alarmed when disaster comes.
Cling to him and do not leave him,so that you may be honoured at the end of your days.
Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation.
Trust him and he will uphold you,follow a straight path and hope in him.
You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside in case you fall.
You who fear the Lord, trust him,and you will not be baulked of your reward.
You who fear the Lord hope for good things,for everlasting happiness and mercy.
Look at the generations of old and see:who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?
Or who ever feared him steadfastly and was left forsaken?
Or who ever called out to him, and was ignored?
For the Lord is compassionate and merciful,he forgives sins, and saves in days of distress.

Gospel

Mark 9:30-37
Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me

Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’

Yesterday I attended the Eucharistic Celebration at St Mike’s because I had an appointment with Fr T. As I was rather early for the EC, I decided to read the bible while I waited.

Then a growing desire welled up in me to go for the Sacrament of reconciliation. I looked to the direction of the confessional and saw one guy already seated and waiting. I made my way there quickly, sat down beside him and continued reading while I waited. Five minutes had passed when all of a sudden the guy next to me turns and says, “You don’t recognise me do you? I am one of twin brothers which attended the same kindergarten at Hoe Ping Centre and we lived in the same neighbourhood. He introduced himself as Joseph and shared that we even attended the same Church of the Risen Christ back in the day.” I vaguely remembered him because he mentioned he was a twin. The mind blowing thing about it is that I am quite sure we were not very close otherwise I would have a clearer memory of him but he knew my name and that I had a sister with light coloured hair. Later in the short conversation (which was a little uncomfortable for me only because we were waiting for the Sacrament and should have been praying instead of catching up) we had, I found out that he was actually one year my junior.

Still it was a blessing to be reunited with some one who shared moments in time, forty plus years in the neighbourhood I grew up in Toa Payoh! I quickly shared with him the picture I had taken with Sister Rosa only 11 days ago.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1001610776565042?view=permalink&id=2226886374037470

Then Father AJ showed up and Joseph went in first for the Sacrament. What a blessing to see the hand of God in that little meeting ‘again’ of brothers in Christ. During the Eucharistic Celebration I received consolations reminding me of His great love.

Later that evening, after my meeting with Fr T. I stayed on in St Mike’s as they were having a movie night and I had missed watching the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. It was more of a movie appreciation night because Fr T would stop the movie at certain sections, encouraged us to talk about it with one another; then he would share some spiritual and psychological inputs into the psyche of the characters in the movie.

Praise the Lord for a blessed night in the company of friends. 🙏🏼♥️

There are often times that many question their faith. Questioning the faith in itself is not bad since it comes from a desire to know and experience the truth. However doubting our faith is another matter. For how can we doubt if we have experienced Christ in our lives and have entered into a relationship with Him? The Holy Spirit is alive and active in all who have faith. We experience yet unseen realities and have peace and joy in our hearts.

Sin in its many forms is often the cause of the faithful to doubt. For it causes a growing rift away from the Lord our God. Therefore it is very important for every Catholic to go for the sacrament of reconciliation regularly. Daily Eucharist is highly recommended for what better way to be nourished than through the reception of the bread of life, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith for us is the love of God put into action. For faith was given freely to us in love. Hence the more we love the greater our faith. And we rejoice as we hear clearly the voice of God our Father saying ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Amen

First reading

Hebrews 11:1-7 †
It is by faith that we understand that the world was created by one word from God

Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. It was for faith that our ancestors were commended.
It is by faith that we understand that the world was created by one word from God, so that no apparent cause can account for the things we can see.
It was because of his faith that Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and for that he was declared to be righteous when God made acknowledgement of his offerings. Though he is dead, he still speaks by faith.
It was because of his faith that Enoch was taken up and did not have to experience death: he was not to be found because God had taken him. This was because before his assumption it is attested that he had pleased God. Now it is impossible to please God without faith, since anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who try to find him.
It was through his faith that Noah, when he had been warned by God of something that had never been seen before, felt a holy fear and built an ark to save his family. By his faith the world was convicted, and he was able to claim the righteousness which is the reward of faith.

Gospel

Mark 9:2-13
Jesus was transfigured in their presence

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.
As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean. And they put this question to him, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?’ ‘True,’ he said ‘Elijah is to come first and to see that everything is as it should be; yet how is it that the scriptures say about the Son of Man that he is to suffer grievously and be treated with contempt? However, I tell you that Elijah has come and they have treated him as they pleased, just as the scriptures say about him.’

Who is Jesus for you personally? How has your knowledge of Him grown? Do you have a relationship with Him? Is it cold? Lukewarm? Or are you on fire for Him? Is He an important part of your life? Or the most important? If you have a deep ever growing relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ;then you will begin to understand and appreciate the covenantal relationship that the Lord our God offers and keeps. Jesus is the new and everlasting sign of this covenant.

So that as we look upon the cross in which He hung, we can see, feel and experience the immense love of God, who sacrificed Himself to liberate the world from all sin. Today and everyday we are invited to carry our cross and follow Him. By shunning it and refusing to take it up is in essence shying away from the love of God. Whose yoke is easy and burden light and leads us to everlasting light. Amen alleluia!

First reading

Genesis 9:1-13 †
The sign of the Covenant

God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. Be the terror and the dread of all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven, of everything that crawls on the ground and all the fish of the sea; they are handed over to you. Every living and crawling thing shall provide food for you, no less than the foliage of plants. I give you everything, with this exception: you must not eat flesh with life, that is to say blood, in it. I will demand an account of your life-blood. I will demand an account from every beast and from man. I will demand an account of every man’s life from his fellow men.

‘He who sheds man’s blood
shall have his blood shed by man,
for in the image of God
man was made.

‘As for you, be fruitful, multiply, teem over the earth and be lord of it.’
God spoke to Noah and his sons, ‘See, I establish my Covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; also with every living creature to be found with you, birds, cattle and every wild beast with you: everything that came out of the ark, everything that lives on the earth. I establish my Covenant with you: no thing of flesh shall be swept away again by the waters of the flood. There shall be no flood to destroy the earth again.’
God said, ‘Here is the sign of the Covenant I make between myself and you and every living creature with you for all generations: I set my bow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the Covenant between me and the earth.’

Gospel

Mark 8:27-33
The way you think is not God’s way, but man’s

Jesus and his disciples left for the villages round Caesarea Philippi. On the way he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ And they told him. ‘John the Baptist,’ they said ‘others Elijah; others again, one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he asked ‘who do you say I am?’ Peter spoke up and said to him, ‘You are the Christ.’ And he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man was destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

Are our lives ordered to the Lord our God? Do people see the face of Christ when they look upon us? Are we good stewards of all that He has given us? Are we concerned for our environment and the animals that live in it? Are we then faithful children of God our Father who created us in His image and likeness?

The precious Living Word of God has been given to us so that we may know it, learn it, grow in it, live it and share it with others. Are we then living in the joy of the Risen Lord, bringing life wherever we go? Or have we instead made His Word null and void? By living a life of indifference to our families, communities and especially the least of our brethren. By being lukewarm in our faith growth colder. Leading ‘entitled’ lives instead of one of gratefulness and thanksgiving to the Lord our God.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Word made flesh, fill me with Your presence. Let the fire of Your love burn within me. So that I may always bring glory to You in all that I say and do. Amen

First reading

Genesis 1:20-2:4 †
‘Let us make man in our own image’

God said, ‘Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth within the vault of heaven.’ And so it was. God created great sea-serpents and every kind of living creature with which the waters teem, and every kind of winged creature. God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas; and let the birds multiply upon the earth.’ Evening came and morning came: the fifth day.
God said, ‘Let the earth produce every kind of living creature: cattle, reptiles, and every kind of wild beast.’ And so it was. God made every kind of wild beast, every kind of cattle, and every kind of land reptile. God saw that it was good.
God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves, and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth.’

God created man in the image of himself,
in the image of God he created him,
male and female he created them.

God blessed them, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it. Be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven and all living animals on the earth.’ God said, ‘See, I give you all the seed-bearing plants that are upon the whole earth, and all the trees with seed-bearing fruit; this shall be your food. To all wild beasts, all birds of heaven and all living reptiles on the earth I give all the foliage of plants for food.’ And so it was. God saw all he had made, and indeed it was very good. Evening came and morning came: the sixth day.
Thus heaven and earth were completed with all their array. On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing. He rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he had rested after all his work of creating.
Such were the origins of heaven and earth when they were created.

Gospel

Mark 7:1-13
You get round the commandment of God to preserve your own tradition

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So these Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture:

This people honours me only with lip-service,
while their hearts are far from me.
The worship they offer me is worthless,
the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.

You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’ And he said to them, ‘How ingeniously you get round the commandment of God in order to preserve your own tradition! For Moses said: Do your duty to your father and your mother, and, Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death. But you say, “If a man says to his father or mother: Anything I have that I might have used to help you is Corban (that is, dedicated to God), then he is forbidden from that moment to do anything for his father or mother.” In this way you make God’s word null and void for the sake of your tradition which you have handed down. And you do many other things like this.’

Lord God Almighty Father, all glory and Praise be Yours now and forever. In Your loving hands creation was formed out of nothing and ordered according to Your will. Heaven and earth a thin divide for all created in Your love.

And the light of the World, Your Son, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ was born to take away our darkness and sin. To free us from the clutches of death and to raise us to new life with You. To heal, restore and make us whole. Such is Your love for us that He came while we were still sinners to redeem us.

We love and adore You, glory and Praise be to our Heavenly Father, to Your Son our Lord and to the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen

Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us….

First reading

Genesis 1:1-19 †
God saw that it was good

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God’s spirit hovered over the water.
God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that light was good, and God divided light from darkness. God called light ‘day’, and darkness he called ‘night.’ Evening came and morning came: the first day.
God said, ‘Let there be a vault in the waters to divide the waters in two.’ And so it was. God made the vault, and it divided the waters above the vault from the waters under the vault. God called the vault ‘heaven.’ Evening came and morning came: the second day.
God said, ‘Let the waters under heaven come together into a single mass, and let dry land appear.’ And so it was. God called the dry land ‘earth’ and the mass of waters ‘seas’, and God saw that it was good.
God said, ‘Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees bearing fruit with their seed inside, on the earth.’ And so it was. The earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seed in their several kinds, and trees bearing fruit with their seed inside in their several kinds. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came: the third day.
God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of heaven to divide day from night, and let them indicate festivals, days and years. Let them be lights in the vault of heaven to shine on the earth.’ And so it was. God made the two great lights: the greater light to govern the day, the smaller light to govern the night, and the stars. God set them in the vault of heaven to shine on the earth, to govern the day and the night and to divide light from darkness. God saw that it was good. Evening came and morning came: the fourth day.

Gospel

Mark 6:53-56
All those who touched him were cured

Having made the crossing, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up. No sooner had they stepped out of the boat than people recognised him, and started hurrying all through the countryside and brought the sick on stretchers to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, to village, or town, or farm, they laid down the sick in the open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched him were cured.

It is very difficult for many to warm to, let alone welcome the stranger in our midst. The walls we place between us may protect us from getting hurt, cheated or made used of. But it also prevents us from loving and by that same token from being loved. What if Christ Himself took on the guise of a stranger and stood right there before us? We would have missed the opportunity to love and serve Him, and perhaps to be counselled by Him.

Love one another as I have loved you is not a suggestion but a command from our Lord. It is a call to heroic love! To lay down our life for a ‘friend’ who may be that very stranger among us. Who is a fellow sister or brother, one of God our Father’s children. There is indeed no greater love. Do not give in to worldly suggestions or advice! But remain rooted and steadfast on the Word of God. So that even if we should die, we know we will rise with Him; our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

First reading

Hebrews 13:1-8 †
Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and will be for ever

Continue to love each other like brothers, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Keep in mind those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; and those who are being badly treated, since you too are in the one body. Marriage is to be honoured by all, and marriages are to be kept undefiled, because fornicators and adulterers will come under God’s judgement. Put greed out of your lives and be content with whatever you have; God himself has said: I will not fail you or desert you, and so we can say with confidence: With the Lord to help me, I fear nothing: what can man do to me?
Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be for ever.

Gospel

Mark 6:14-29
The beheading of John the Baptist

King Herod had heard about Jesus, since by now his name was well known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Others said, ‘He is Elijah’; others again, ‘He is a prophet, like the prophets we used to have.’ But when Herod heard this he said, ‘It is John whose head I cut off; he has risen from the dead.’
Now it was this same Herod who had sent to have John arrested, and had him chained up in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife whom he had married. For John had told Herod, ‘It is against the law for you to have your brother’s wife.’ As for Herodias, she was furious with him and wanted to kill him; but she was not able to, because Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a good and holy man, and gave him his protection. When he had heard him speak he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
An opportunity came on Herod’s birthday when he gave a banquet for the nobles of his court, for his army officers and for the leading figures in Galilee. When the daughter of this same Herodias came in and danced, she delighted Herod and his guests; so the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me anything you like and I will give it you.’ And he swore her an oath, ‘I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the Baptist.’ The girl hurried straight back to the king and made her request, ‘I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head, here and now, on a dish.’ The king was deeply distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he was reluctant to break his word to her. So the king at once sent one of the bodyguard with orders to bring John’s head. The man went off and beheaded him in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.