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Quite often enough we dismiss ‘God’s’ people openly or not, whose good intentions are not quite clear to us. Shouldn’t we instead discern through prayer? Thereafter if and when we see the fruits of the Holy Spirit, should we not give our support and affirm their efforts? This is what we need to do, if we are to be one in the body of Christ.

Discipleship is never going to be easy, we will meet with hardship, lack of resources, resistance, trials and sufferings. However like the Apostles when we truest in God’s providence and are willing to suffer shame for the name of Jesus we will always do so with peace and joy.

For our pilgrim journey our loving Lord feeds us of Himself, nourishes us so that we can stand strong and upright as we make our way. Great is His love for us that He gives us our daily bread in the Eucharist! Glory be to God! Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 5:34–42

GOSPEL
John 6:1–15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

We need the Word in our lives, to nourish and give us life. It is our everlasting connection with our loving God. When we remain steadfast in our love for God and stay focused on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are able preach and give testimony and bring others to the same faith. We are emboldened and fearless for Jesus is with us.

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

First Reading
Acts 5:27-33

Gospel
Jn 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

In times of crisis, when everything seems cold and bleak, we have nothing to fear. For when we have faith in Jesus, He will carry us through it all.

However there are many out there who have yet to share in the certainty that we have. Our loving Saviour that gives us love, peace and joy. We have the living Word to nourish, sustain and provide for all that we need. Such is the love contained therein, that it is outward looking waiting to be shared in abundance with all.

Jesus guide me, that I may to share Your Word with all whom I meet. Amen

First Reading
Acts 6:1-7

Gospel
Jn 6:16-21

When it wlas evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

How easy it is for darkness to creep up and overshadow us. When we allow jealousy to rule out hearts. When we allow pride to take over especially when we see ourselves wiser, more knowledgeable than others. When we abandon our faith because we feel that it is just too difficult, too time consuming, stifling or because we didn’t get what we expected out of having it. When we allow sinful desires to take control and convince us that it is alright.

Walking in the light is not always easy but we walk as free men and women in peace and love. Such is God our Father’s love for us that even if we have fallen into darkness; so long as we have a contrite heart His beacon will shine for us to lead us home to Him.

O sweet Jesus, by Your life, death and resurrection You have set us free from eternal darkness. An epitome of human suffering, You bore it all, taking the world’s sin upon Yourself. Give us Your strength and Grace that we may continue to remain faithful and walk in Your light. To be a light for others, Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 5:17–26

GOSPEL
John 3:16–21

God so loved the world that he gave his only–begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only–begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Be merciful, compassionate, humble and meek. Love your neighbour and be of service to all your brethren. If these are lessons too hard for us, or if we refuse to accept and strive to learn them; how can we hope to embrace the spiritual ones?

How can we see or rather comprehend the powerful redemptive love of Jesus on the cross? To believe in Him, our God who so loves us that He wants to share eternity with us? How can we be happy that even if we not see, we yet believe? How do we trust in God’s providence by letting go of our possessions? How can we be assured that He is with us always, to guide and show us the way?

Lord I believe; help my unbelief! Do thou increase my faith. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:32–37

GOSPEL
John 3:7b–15

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

I came to You only in the shadows of the night fearing that those who do not believe, might see in the day, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I grew weary for they would not listen, in anger they tried to shut me up and cast me out, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I was fearful, afraid to say the wrong thing. Ashamed of my lack of knowledge of Scripture, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I was a terrible sinner Lord, but You gave me new life. Still I had felt so ashamed of my past, afraid that those who knew me might mock and ridicule me, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

Holy Spirit be my guide always, in Jesus name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:23–31

GOSPEL
John 3:1–8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We have been told many times to go and share the good news with others for it is a fruit that multiplies as it is preached. Have we listened or instead questioned? Is it I Lord to do this? To whom shall I go? Have we buried the treasure? Starved the root so it bears no fruit?

Can we preach or share the good news if we will not listen ourselves? Many too have been sent to us to help us grow in our faith, in the knowledge of Christ. Have we thought ourselves better than them who were sent? Did we not believe they were sent by our Lord? Did we not recognise our Shepherd’s voice through them or through His message?

Lord Jesus help me to recognize You in all persons whom You send either to help me or to be helped by me. Let me never lose sight of You through the hardness of my heart. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:13–21

GOSPEL
Mark 16:9–15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

All the joy and peace which Easter brings can easily be lost or taken away, for we all have a powerful enemy to face each and every day! Sin! and the tempter lies awaiting.

St Peter urges to be humble before God, sober and watchful. To stand firm in faith for the Grace and strength of God is upon us to resist all evil.

Let us work with our Lord Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Gospel. For through Him we will build up His kingdom, through the salvation of our brothers and sisters who have yet to hear the Good news. Let us strive not to let the light within us be easily extinguished as we remain steadfast; to share the light of Christ to all.  Amen

FIRST READING
1 Peter 5:5b–14

GOSPEL
Mark 16:15–20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

We need to spend time in reflection of our day with our Lord, only then can we begin to see how He is always in our midst. Especially when are striving to live our call to discipleship.

It is only when our eyes are focused on ourselves or what we want to see that fear of the unknown my creep in. For when we focus on our Lord Jesus, His peace is always upon us. We do not see with our eyes but with our hearts and we believe.

Slowly He leads us to a deeper faith and understanding. With it comes the power and the glory of the risen Lord and through Him we can prophesy, Heal and much more.

Praise be to Our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 3:11–26

GOSPEL
Luke 24:35–48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Give me the bullet form, the summary or the outline! This is generally how we want our information, who has time to sieve through blocks of texts? Isn’t this the same approach we use for faith? When we approach Scripture? It is no wonder we don’t go very far in our faithlife, how can we when we have missed the point? When we pass over the treasures that lay deep beneath, and the deeper we might have delved the richer we would have been.

When two or three are gathered in His name whether it be to grapple with Scripture texts or matters of faith in today’s cultural backdrop. Are we still not assured of our Lord Jesus presence? He is always there! To guide us and lead us to a deeper understanding.

As we continue to grow deeper in our faith we will see that we have new abilities to do great things in a His name.

And If we listen with our hearts and open our eyes to see, we would recognise Him in the Eucharist! Yet another wonderful revelation in this sacred texts of today. Jesus had already prepared us for His departure and yet He assured us that He would always be with us. One of the sure ways He would do this is when He instituted the Eucharist. In this great mystery, He reveals Himself in the Eucharist while His human form vanishes. “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.”

Let our hearts burn within us Lord as we strive to grow and go deeper into our relationship with You. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 3:1–10

GOSPEL
Luke 24:13–35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

While it is Easter for us and we are rejoicing in the light of Christ, many are still in darkness and in despair. They have not yet heard of the Good news, because we have not yet shared it with them. The Good News that they too can share through repentance and baptism.

Then too, darkness can creep up on us when we lose sight of Jesus. Some through tragedy, loss of a loved one, persecution and many other ways some of which the dark forces take delight. Our eyes, ears, hearts are shut off to the light. And all we ever need do is with a prayerful heart open them and we will find that Jesus never left our side.

Lord Jesus let me bring Your light to all! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 2:36–41

GOSPEL
John 20:11–18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.

The resurrection of our Lord does not demand nor require our understanding because none of us have yet experienced it. It requires faith in the truth, the truth revealed to us through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A faith that moves us with such a burning desire that we cannot help but Run and share the good news with others. And when we do so, we go with the loving embrace of our risen Lord whose peace is upon us.

However if we choose to remain in the dark, then in the dark we shall remain for now and forever.

Today my Lord, as I recall the Paschal Candle being lit during Easter Vigil the night before last; I am reminded that You are the light of the world that penetrated the darkness of my life. Help me to always walk in Your light for now and forevermore. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 2:14, 22–33

GOSPEL
Matthew 28:8–15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

“Surely not I my Lord?” when I told you I would not give in to my anger and pride. “Surely not I my Lord?” when I said I was not going to fall into sexual temptations. “Surely not I my Lord?” when I said I would never deny you in front of others but did so by my words and actions. “Surely not I my Lord?” when I told you I would not but turned by back on those crying out to me for help, the poor, the needy, my fallen brethren, my church.

Amidst all pain and obstacles You O Lord remained steadfast in love to do Your Father’s Will. Help me to do likewise, knowing that You will never abandon me.

Lord, in your great love, answer me.
In multitúdine misericórdia tua, Dómine, exáudi me, témpore grátiæ. Amen

First Reading
Isaiah 50:4-9a

Gospel
Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’ The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

We all have experienced betrayal in one way or another and it always hurt a whole lot more when it was someone we loved and cared about. Some of us become bitter, withdrawn even depressed. Others launch into defence mode often cold and vindictive seeking to get even.

But you O Lord were patient and loving to the end, offering many chances for a change of heart. Even though it must have been extremely hurtful to face such betrayal and knowing that all those whom you loved would soon leave you in your hour of need, still you persevered to do our Father’s Will because You so loved us, Your friends.

Give us the strength to persevere especially when we are tempted to abandon our cross, let us stay focussed on doing our Father’s Will as You were. So that striving for Holiness we may lead one another into our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 49:1–6

GOSPEL
John 13:21–33, 36–38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

Have I offered my best or choicest to my Lord and God in praise, honour and worship? Or have I made excuses out of being practical or modest? Have I anointed the feet of Jesus my Lord with such fragrant oil of love, that it perfumes the air such that everyone can know the presence of my Lord in all I say and do?

When I feel that Jesus is not with me, do I go seeking Him out knowing I will surely find Him in the poor? Do I serve Him in the poor and downtrodden bringing them His light? The same light that illuminated my life and drove all darkness from it.

Lord Jesus be with me always, however if there are times that You must go so that I may grow, then return to me Lord as swiftly as Your Will is done. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 42:1–7

GOSPEL
John 12:1–11

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

“I pray that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John -17:21

And how did our loving God choose to unite us all? He chose do so through His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who died to take away Sin; Sin that binds and separates us from Him and from one another. Do we then choose to continue, to see and allow our differences to separate us? Or do we stand united and remain focus on our Bridegroom, the head of our Family?

Lord Jesus, let me never forget that I am not alone but a member of a loving covenantal family under God. Amen

FIRST READING
Ezekiel 37:21–28

Gospel
John 11:45-56
Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.
So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples.
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”

The Word proclaimed today reminds us that we have a powerful and loving ally. And though many will try to persecute us for our faith or denounce our efforts to serve our Lord as vainglory; yet we will be vindicated.

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. (In tribulatióne mea invocávi Dóminum, et exaudívit me.)

I place all my faith and trust in You Lord, for I know You will not abandon me. Glory to God in the highest! Amen

First Reading
Jeremiah 20:10-13

Gospel
John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.

We fear death when we we have no hope of new life. Doesn’t matter how holy we think we are, or how strong we think our faith in Jesus is. If we bite, claw, and struggle to hold on to our life, then we are not yet perfected in love and the truth has not yet fully penetrated our hearts to set us free.

What is the truth? The truth that promises and fulfils; life eternal with our heavenly Father. Let us keep His Word, turn away from sin and live our lives worthy of our calling. Through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name we pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Genesis 17:3–9

GOSPEL
John 8:51–59

Jesus said to the Jews:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and of earth… We say this every Sunday in the Creed, yet have we pondered what it means to believe? To believe, is it not to worship? And to worship, is is not to love? To love, is it not to be in a relationship? To be in Communion?

Whom or what do we spend most if not all of time with? Our family? Our friends? Our work? Watching television? Sports? Computer games? Do we even have room in our hearts for God?

Lord Jesus come into my heart, let me not go a day without You in mind or in spirit. For I know all too well that without Your Grace I fall easily into sin. And Sin separates me from my loving God and blinds me to His presence. Let me never lose my God.. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 3:14–20, 91–92, 95

GOSPEL
John 8:31–42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”

They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”

Is it not in our nature to be prideful? To think we can do it all on our own for we are strong, wise and highly capable. Who has the time for God? Why do I even need Him?

Then what do we do when things don’t go as planned? When things start falling apart? Some start cursing and swearing, others complain and grumble. Where was God? Why did He allow for this to happen? I knew all along there is no God! How different are we from the children of Israel led out of slavery by Moses? Have we not turned our backs on our loving Father?

And yet with sorrow in our hearts for what we have done and by turning back to Him, our loving Father extends His loving hand to save us. All we need to do is to look upon the cross and gaze upon love most pure, our redeemer, our liberator, our salvation, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Numbers 21:4–9

GOSPEL
John 8:21–30

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.” They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.

We have all needed to decide at one time or another what we were going to do, what action we were going to take or even how we were going to react with someone who had hurt us, wronged us, did something wrong which caused a terrible mess, hurt someone else, wronged someone else and so on.

In other words we had to exercise our judgement in the matter, even though some of us are reluctant to call it what it is, a Judgement. Apart from being honest, truthful, even fair in our assessment. How many of us would temper it with mercy? How many of us would look at the person through the merciful eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ? Before saying or doing anything? Have we not sinned in anyway ourselves?

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 13:1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62

Gospel
John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

There are many voices, many conflicting thoughts and words. But today Lord I am reminded of Your words to us, *My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me.” And through my own past experience, I know this rings true even from the mouths of those You have sent. For your peace and love is upon us.

In everything and any situation let our hearts cry out to You. For You O Lord are our refuge. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 11:18–20

GOSPEL
John 7:40–53

Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

Then each went to his own house.

Don’t go seeking for a spiritual high instead search for the heart of God.  There is no fixed format of prayer and worship songs that will be bring you closer to Him nor is there is anything You can do to merit His Grace. All you ever need is a sincere contrite heart opened and attentive and He will speak to you; often in the quiet.

We are oftentimes too ‘wise’ for our own good! We are

quick to deduce what we can see, sometimes without looking below the surface. We pride ourselves in our logical ability to process intricate and detailed information often to such a degree we miss the beauty of the big picture. We may never know what we are missing or have lost.

So it is with knowing and understanding God, our wisdom can only take us so far. It is only through the eyes of faith do we truly see; for then knowing and understanding God becomes a living and loving experience. An intimate relationship taking us far beyond what we can ever hope to imagine.

Lord Jesus, help me overcome all that prevents me from entering into a deeper loving relationship with You. Allow me to grow in love and charity for my brethren and all You send my way. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 2:1a, 12–22

GOSPEL
John 7:1–2, 10, 25–30

Jesus moved about within Galilee;
he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.

But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.

Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

This Lenten journey has been the ‘most’ of everything for me. Most trying, most painful, most illuminating, most humbling, most exhilarating, most sorrowful, most rewarding. Thank You Lord indeed! Praise be Your Holy name.

Struggling to be holy I fell into temptation time and time again and yet You reminded me of Your own temptation and how to overcome it. I was transformed by Your transfiguration. Then I grew weary and thirsty and You gave me rest, You gave me living water to drink. Rejuvenated I sought to do Your Will, encountered a few of Your people and witnessed Your glory through the changes in them and in me. Then I saw too your people who would not come after being invited over and over again and I grew weary and disheartened. Blindness came over me till You opened my eyes in Your loving mercy. I saw that you sought the lame, the blind and the poor and in them Your glory will be manifested. You will bring life to those who are dead. Your promise will be fulfilled! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

Lord I am learning, I am growing forgive me now my shortcomings. Yes Lord I have taken Your love for me and my loved ones for granted. All that is good comes from You and through You; yet I often seem to thank only those who bore the gifts or good tidings.

I realise now that offering Praise and thanksgiving is more for me than it is for You. Foremost it is a sign of worship of a loving God. (not of human beings, idols of myself) Then also it, is a result of me being in union with my God.

Reading Your Word daily and understanding Your Will for us through the Scriptures is very, very important but still not as important as growing in our relationship with You, through quiet time in prayer and worship.

Afterall it is only through the relationship that we are able to hear Your heart, Your Word most clearly. It further leads us to live holy righteous lives. And the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5:16);so let pray for one another, especially those we see who are in need. Amen

FIRST READING
Exodus 32:7–14

GOSPEL
John 5:31–47

Jesus said to the Jews:
“If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

I cannot fathom what it must have been like for You Lord. Most of our hearts cried out for salvation while others could not, having been bound and gagged by Sin.

Your love for us was so great that You promised to come save us, prepared us for Your coming and then fulfilled Your promise to us. What did we do? How did we welcome You? We turned our backs on You, We mocked You, plotted to kill You and eventually did.

Knowing all this You still came seeking out Your lost sheep. You brought light into our darkness, living water to quench our thirst, bread from heaven to nourish bodies and souls. With Your precious blood You washed us so that we can stand spotless before our heavenly Father. How great is our God!

Our lives are nothing without You and without You there is no relationship with our heavenly Father. All love, peace and joy comes from You for in You is life eternal. May we always seek to do our Father’s Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 49:8–15

GOSPEL
John 5:17–30

Jesus answered the Jews:
“My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.

“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

In desperation many throughout the centuries have sought healing through the use of healing stones, hot springs, charms, bracelets and many more ‘holy’ items. And yet how many of these people were cured or left wanting? Have we of faith pondered about our baptism? Was it the baptismal waters itself that caused our baptism? Or was it the Holy Spirit working through the water? Was it the fringe of the cloak that cured the hemorrhaging woman? Was it the clay and spittle that opened the blind man’s eyes?

Jesus speaks to us everyday yet how many actually hear Him? How many have heard Him ask, do you want to be well? Do you want to be cleansed of your sins? Do you want my love? Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

Are we spiteful in our response or enraged and resentful of our ailments that we lash out at Him who seeks to help us? Or do we humbly implore His mercy?

Lord Jesus You are the living water that cleanses, quenches, heals, nourishes and makes fertile for bearing fruit. All we will ever want or need comes from You and through You. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Ezekiel 47:1–9, 12

GOSPEL
John 5:1–16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep have Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty–eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.

Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’“ They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

Yes Lord we are often an obstinate people, neither accepting of the word and the promises made by our heavenly Father nor recognising Your Hand in all that is good and done for us. We have been blind by allowing our sins to control us.

Jesus my Lord, let me instead be persistent in my faith. Knowing without a doubt that You are the promise fulfilled. Let me not be discouraged when obstacles come my way, but to view them as challenges and opportunities to grow. Free me from all my sins that I may love and serve You all the days of my life, Amen.

FIRST READING
Isaiah 65:17–21

GOSPEL
John 4:43–54

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.
Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

We pray hard and may even be seen praying, but behave badly and act selfishly. Whom are we giving glory to? We pray for help and mercy but are ourselves unhelpful and unmerciful, are we then deserving of our requests? How did we get to being so fervent in our prayers and barely dipped our toes in the deep ocean of our faith? Have we taken God’s love and acts of kindness towards us for granted?

It is only when are our contrite hearts are opened to truly see God, His majesty, His power, His glory, can we begin to experience His love, His mercy and enter into a deep personal relationship with Him.

All glory and praise be to God! Now and forevermore. Amen

FIRST READING Hosea 6:1–6

GOSPEL
Luke 18:9–14

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Can we respond with all our hearts that God is love, we love Him and He loves us? Can we then because of this fact say with all our hearts that we truly love ourselves? That we would do all in our power to prevent our bodies and mind from being defiled by Sin? And such is that purity of love for God and for ourselves that we truly love our neighbours? Even those who wear the stench of poverty? Those who are often cast out for lack of something? Those who have hurt us? Those who are mean or overbearing towards us? Those who persecute us? If not, do we truly love at all? Is God present in our lives?

Straight are the paths of the LORD, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them. Lord Jesus guide us that we may always walk justly on the paths of God our Father. In Your mercy hear our prayer. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 14:2–10

GOSPEL
Mark 12:28–34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall 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 shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Why do we even try to find fault with one another instead of recognising the good? Do we suffer from an inferiority complex or are so full of ourselves that we cannot see past our noses? Perhaps the answers lie in this one question, are we truly God’s people?

As surely as sheep recognises the voice of their master so will we recognise the presence of our Lord in others. We will see the good and the beauty which comes from Him. For the ‘strong man’ has come to liberate and save us. We are His people and He is our God!

Lord Jesus be my shepherd as I help gather Your flock unto You. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 7:23–28

GOSPEL
Luke 11:14–23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

How can we who were once filled with the love and wisdom of God be suddenly so blind and clueless? Sin does indeed rob us of our senses, leaves us dry, wanting and stupid! Why then do we allow sin to take over? To take control of our lives? Why are we so gullible to fall for what appears desirable and beautiful on the surface? Even the attraction to the beauty of power which lies hidden in rage and an unbridled tongue!

Yet our Lord Jesus had given us laws written on our hearts to be our guide. To follow so as not to become separated from the One who loves us most. To see the truth and the light which illuminates all that lies hidden and in darkness. So that in HIs wisdom, love and holiness we can be witnesses to all.

Lord Jesus let me never take the love of my God for granted. Liberate me from the chains of Sin that I may be free to be in the light of Your Love and help me remain faithful to the Will of my heavenly Father. In Your most precious name I pray….Amen

FIRST READING
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5–9

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:17–19

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

How many times have I pleaded for mercy from You O Lord my God? Each time promising to do better, praying for Your strength to overcome my weaknesses. Then having fallen yet again broken and sorrowful, I thought to myself surely my Lord’s patience had run out for me. Having no where else to go and terribly missing our relationship, I pleaded once again and still You forgave me. Cloaked with the warm of Your loving embrace I found myself weeping. How great it our merciful and loving God!

You forgave me from the Cross, Lord Jesus; How can I do any less for my brethren? I have done many wicked things against the Will of my heavenly Father and yet when I turned to Him with a contrite heart, His bountiful mercy was upon me. How can I not extend that same mercy to those who have wronged me? Help me Lord Jesus overcome my wilful nature, fill me with Your love that I may learn Your ways, Your statues, so that Your Will be done. Now and forevermore. Amen

How great it our merciful and loving God!

First Reading
Daniel 3:25, 34-43

Gospel
Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

We are at times so proud and arrogant Lord, have mercy on us. We often let our assumptions and presumptions blind us to Your love, grace, Word even Your gentle promptings. Indeed You can give us great miracles, wonders and signs! However most of Your greatest extraordinary gifts to us have come in humble ordinary ways and ‘packages’: Jesus our Lord, the most Holy Eucharist in bread and wine, our baptism through water, through the words spoken through babes, our loved ones even acquaintances. In the quiet through a gentle breeze.

Lord Jesus help us to remain humble and open to Your gentle promptings through whomever and whatever means You choose. And give us Your strength and perseverance to always remain faithful. In Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 5:1–15ab

GOSPEL
Luke 4:24–30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

Why are we so competitive? Especially with our brothers and sisters? Why do we jealously crave the undivided love and attention of Father, Mother, priests and grandparents?

And why do we so often squander the precious gifts and talents from our heavenly Father for personal glory, entertainment and enjoyment? Then hide ourselves in the darkness in the fifth of sin, fearful and ashamed?

Merciful and loving Father I have sinned against You. With confidence I come before You; for by Your great love for me through Your Son Jesus Christ I know that a contrite heart You will not spurn. I am indeed sorrowful for my sins and by Your loving embrace I know I am liberated to love and be loved. Let me always honour, love and serve You all the days of my life. Amen

FIRST READING
Micah 7:14–15, 18–20

GOSPEL
Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’“

Some of our greatest downfalls are self centredness and jealousy. Which often leads to anger and aggression. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you, don’t be blinded by Sin, our Lord reminds us. Stay focused on me and you will bear much fruit!

Lord Jesus You have come to save us as You promised. And nothing is more wonderful in our eyes than to behold You in our lives. Lift the scales of sin from our eyes, that we may see You always. Amen

FIRST READING
Genesis 37:3–4, 12–13a, 17b–28a

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

Can you imagine telling your boss that you were too busy to speak to him about your work? Or that you could not complete a task or mission because you just didn’t have the time? Or you could not help your colleague in need? Not keen to attend company events or meetings? Cannot imagine that can you? How then is it okay to tell Your creator that? Who can be more important than God our loving Father Who gives us hope?

Lord Jesus forgive me for I have been selfish with my time, gifts and talents given freely and abundantly by my Lord and God. I have not given enough thought, consideration or acts of goodwill for my brothers and sisters ; Children of God my father. Let me not wait another day but act now to do my Lord’s bidding for them. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 17:5–10

GOSPEL
Luke 16:19–31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’“

In serving the Lord we can expect that the road ahead isn’t always going to be smooth. Chances of being persecuted for our faith will always run high. And should we die as a result, isn’t it a far better death? So that we may rise and live with Him, our Lord and God!

But how can we if we lead selfish lives? Only wanting what is good for us and our families? Where is the spirit of communion? Are we then truly the body of Christ?

O sweet Saviour come to my aid, dwell within me that I may experience Your great love; for Your love is such that cannot be contained but to be shared with all. With Your love I seek not to be served but to serve. Amen

First Reading
Jeremiah 18:18-20

Gospel
Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Do I lead others closer to God by my words, by my actions? Do I criticize, judge and condemn those who find it difficult to shun sin or vices as I readily do? Have I forgotten how difficult it was for me to change and turn away from sin myself? Have I forgotten how merciful my Lord and God was with me? Have I been just as merciful to others? Have I forgotten how my heavenly Father never gave up on me?  Have I given up on my brethren? Do I place upon them standards so high that they are discouraged? Do I place a heavier cross on them, to bear when it is not my place to do so?

Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God! Let me serve You in the way I You would have me do.  Let me serve my brethren as I willingly serve You; with all my heart, all my strength and all my love! Let my service be selfless and for Your Glory alone. Amen.

FIRST READING
Isaiah 1:10, 16–20

GOSPEL
Matthew 23:1–12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Most if not all of us have had a ‘living hell’ experience in that almost everything we did was wrong or not quite right. There was constant tension, anger and frustration. We were both anxious and fearful of everything and everyone. We tried to overcome this with an abusive temper, judgement and condemnation. And if we ever reflected and traced back the root cause we will find that it was sin and the growth of it. We had separated ourselves from God.

Jesus urges us today to live our lives worthy of God. If we choose to be judgemental, often condemning the actions of others then we box ourselves into that world. Be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful sounds unattainable, unless we remember that we are not alone in the endeavour. Jesus is with us every step of the way. We start out with the necessary Graces from God, and are in union with Him.

Thank you Lord for loving us and guiding us to lead full loving lives in You. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 9:4b–10

GOSPEL
Luke 6:36–38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Our heavenly Father loves us and wants us to have and experience all He has to offer us.  To do so we must be obedient to His commandments  and His Will for us which keeps us from evil and Sin.

Jesus in today’s Gospel teaches us to love,  a much deeper profound love. To love our enemies, our neighbours even strangers. In a sense we are called to love with a divine love, the love our Father has for us.  And we are able to do so through Him, so long as we strive to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.  He knows our limitations and hardships, but the call to perfection is in the trying, to grow and not to remain still, to reach the maturity where we will bear much fruit.

Lord Jesus have mercy on us for the many times we fall into Sin, help us to overcome all our addictions and temptations and strengthen us against evil.  As we strive daily to heed Your call to holiness.  Amen

FIRST READING

Deuteronomy 26:16–19

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43–48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

How often have you heard someone say I will forgive but I won’t forget! Or practised this yourself? God’s mercy and love is such that He forgives us totally with no record for recollection. Our transgressions are wiped totally clean for we have come before Him with a contrite heart and spirit. How can we do any less for our brother or sister who are contrite for the hurts and pains they have caused us? How can we withhold forgiveness or hold to the memory of the sin against us? For us to be forgiven by our merciful God we too must be merciful to our brethren without reservation.

Uncontrolled anger and Unforgiveness is not the way of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and leads to our downfall and into deeper sin. Instead we should bring it all to the Lord who will give us the wisdom, courage and love to release it all. To experience His love and peace and be transformed as to share His peace and love with everyone.

Teach us O Lord to forgive as You forgive, help us remember that the one who sin against us is still our brother or sister who belongs to the same family of God. And continue to lead us and protect us from evil as we strive to turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospels.  Amen

FIRST READING
Ezekiel 18:21–28

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:20–26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

There is a country western song whose lyrics goes like this “Looking for love in all the wrong places….,” This unfortunately is quite true for most of us, we seek love, happiness and follow our passions and desires more often down the wrong paths. Some may even pine and pray for it. We end up in places or situations we didn’t really want to be in. Simply because the promises they offered did not last.

Like many I too was tired of asking the wrong questions, for the wrong things and searching in the wrong places. Burdened by having to make the many decisions in life often the wrong ones. Going around in circles some vicious ones. Then like Esther in the first reading I too prostrated myself before the Lord and sought His love and Will for me. His promises are true and I was transformed. In union with Him and His Will for me, I ask and I receive, I seek and I find, I knock and it will be opened for me.

Lord Jesus have mercy on us, help us always to seek holiness as our heavenly Father is holy. Above all guide us as we seek first and always the Kingdom of God our Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Esther C:12, 14–16, 23–25

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:7–12

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

Our merciful and loving God calls us all on numerous occasions to come back to Him by turning our backs on sin. For His great love for us does not want to see us perish. And perish we will if our obstinate hearts will not heed His call for repentance.

Jesus the truth, the light and the way is the greatest sign of God’s love for us. Bring your chains of sin, your addictions, your temptations, bringing all that separates you from God before Him. And He will set you free! Free to love and be loved by God. In the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
JONAH 3:1-10

GOSPEL
Luke 11:29–32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will 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. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

The Word of God is Love, it enriches our body, mind and souls. It refreshes heals and gives life. Why then do we shun it? Or do not make time to listen? How are we blind to its worth which is invaluable? Do we instead go for imitations? Or engage ourselves with meaningless distractions?

The living Word has come to save us so that we may have new life in Him. Christ Jesus had shown us on numerous occasions when He walked with us, on how we were to pray to our heavenly Father. He always made it a point to stay away from the crowds to spend some quiet, quality time with His Father in prayer. Likewise we are invited to the same and just as He forgives us our sins ; we too are to forgive the sins of those who have wronged us.

In one voice let us say the perfect prayer our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ taught us ;

Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven,
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who have trespass against us,
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 55:10–11

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7–15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”