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“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.”

People often are mistaken that the washing of feet is for the benefit of the one whose feet are being washed. It is the other way round and the key to this knowledge where it’s depth runs deep is humility. Without which the act amounts to nought.

Have you ever been in a desperate situation where you needed help and either you could not find anyone willing to help or no one seemed to care! If you have not experienced such a situation, well be prepared because it can happen to anybody and for some it is only a matter of time, for now use your imagination….

A financial crisis has hit hard and you find yourself in debt, sick and alone you have run out of food. Who can you turn to for help? Your friends? Your family? You find that most if not all have abandoned you, and soon you fall into despair. Just as you are about to give up totally, someone you recognise from church whom you know lives a mediocre lifestyle; who has just enough for himself and his family takes you in, clothes and feed you with what little he has got. He even buys you medicine and nurses you back to health. Why? you ask yourself? Why would he help me? Who am I to him? I never took the time to know him personally? Why????

Because He is a man of God, He is man of faith! He seeks to God’s Will. He seeks NOT the rewards of the world but seeks out the Lord’s face. Whom He recognises in the face of His brethren especially in the least of his brethren. He knows that all the wealth in the world cannot ever measure up to the love of God which He bestows on His children. And all of us by our very baptism are His children and have been given the graces needed to help and love one another.

Let us be the men and women our Heavenly Father wants us to be, let us always seek out our Lord’s face as we go about doing His Will for us and in the service of our brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Leviticus 19:1–2, 11–18

GOSPEL
Matthew 25:31–46

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

All too often hurts, pains, arguments, anger even rage are a result of a ill disciplined and malicious tongue. Teach me to speak Lord with a gentle one, allow me to bring Your truth and Your love to all. That I may feed the hungry with spiritual food as well as physical nourishment. Lord guide me in my endeavours.

People close to me, family and friends are always welcome in my home. Let me now invite those who have angered or hurt me, who have sinned against me ; first into the home of my heart. Dine with us Lord, as we bask in Your love, mercy and healing. Then when the time is right, give me the courage and strength to invite them into my home. Lord guide me in my endeavours. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 58:9b–14

GOSPEL
Luke 5:27–32

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

When we have too many worldly desires, too many cares and concerns; where will we have room in our hearts for God? So when we decide to observe a fast let it truly be about emptying ourselves so that God can fill our hearts. Let it be about drawing closer to Him. Let it be about contrition for our sins.

Jesus my Lord, I adore thee with all my heart. Whatever sacrifices I do to day, I offer it up for the reparation of my sins and that of my family. And if you deem them worthy enough let it for the sins of the world. In Your most precious name. Amen

First Reading
Isaiah 58:1-9a

Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Just like flowers and plants need water and sunlight to grow and thrive otherwise they will soon wither and die; So it is with us needing God in our lives. His commandments and His Will for us is like the water and sunlight in which we grow and thrive. Yet He loves us so much that He allows us to choose to accept them or not to accept.

By turning our backs on His commandments and His Will for us, we choose to separate ourselves from Him and so will face the natural consequences of our actions which ultimately leads to our permanent death.

Christ Jesus our Lord offers us redemption, for by His death and resurrection He has conquered death for us. He comes to seek out the sheep that had fallen astray and lead them home. To liberate us from the chains of sin and until such time our death becomes permanent we still have hope; because He gives us that hope that we may have a change of heart. That we will choose to reject sin and turn back to Him. So let us take up our cross daily and follow Him by being faithful to the Gospels. Amen

FIRST READING
Deuteronomy 30:15–20

GOSPEL
Luke 9:22–25

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

Sin and the ways of the world separate us from God. All that is said and done ‘for God’ or ‘in God’s’ name while holding on to worldly attachments and sin is worth nothing, meaningless and useless.

Our merciful and loving Father is calling out to us, “Come return to me with all your heart and all will be forgiven.” “Do not cower, do not hide anything, just come as you are into my loving embrace.””Live your lives fully in peace, joy and love as intended for you from the very beginning.”

Let us respond to Him with all our heart and declare,” Yes Father, I’ve come to do Your Will.” “I strive to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospels.” Through Christ our Lord. Amen

FIRST READING
Joel 2:12–18

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Praise and glory be to God for His Wisdom and great love for us!

Thanks and praise be to God for His Saints now in heaven who without yet encountering Christ, suffered with most laying down their lives to Herald His coming and to proclaim God’s Word.

Thanks and praise be to God for His Saints, who having encountered Jesus sought to model their lives after Him. They made Him known to all who would listen and see either by word or deed. They suffered and died for the Glory of His name. They are truly an inspiration for us to do likewise.

And like St Peter we hope to say to You our dear Saviour “We have given up everything and followed you.” Grant us the courage, strength and the Graces we need to do so. We humbly implore in Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Peter 1:10–16

Gospel Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

As we draw closer to Lent, St Peter reminds us of the great love of our heavenly Father who gave us His only Son to redeem us from our sins. Jesus gives us the strength and grace to remain faithful, and bearing with the trials and suffering that comes our way; we glorify our Lord and God!

Jesus wants us to share in the fullness of life with Him and so teaches us that just following the commandments is not good enough. We need to let go of the attachments of this World and all it has to offer. We have the promise that God our Father knows what we need and will provide for us; we need only strive for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt 6:33).

Let us put all our faith and trust in God who loves us and lead our lives worthy of His Kingdom. Amen

Reading 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.”
He replied and said to him,
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, 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 one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”

O how powerful is the prayer, that of a righteous person. That sings praise to God, that brings about healing, comfort, and the eventual liberation from sin through the Church.

But who or what is a righteous person? Is it not one who loves God above all? Who loves neighbour as they would themselves regardless of race, language or religion? Who would persevere to bring back those who have gone astray? Who brings the light and the Word to everyone? Who lovingly welcomes the children of God? Let us be that person for all, through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray… Amen

FIRST READING
James 5:13-20

GOSPEL
MARK 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

When we think ourselves wiser, more industrious, even holier our downfall begins. By comparing and judging we render ourselves unworthy to serve our Lord and we fall from His Graces and peace. Let us instead serve Him and our brethren with integrity and loving humility. One body in Christ…

Marriage is sacred because it is a love union of one man and one woman blessed and sanctified by God. According to His Will, together in perfect union (two become one body) with Him become procreators to bring forth life. In love they lead one another together with their children closer to God and His kingdom. How can we not cherish this sacrament of love?

Let us lead faithful lives in perfect communion with our one triune God. Amen

First Reading
James  5:9-12

Gospel
Mk 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

It is a truth and a fact that we are all going to die. A certainty beyond our control. Some sooner then later yet with most not knowing the circumstance. However what we do or how we live our lives will determine our choice of eternal life or death. A life with God or a permanent separation from Him.

Most if not all adults upon deep introspection and reflection have lived both self giving, loving as well as selfish, self centred lives at one time or another. But do we recollect the fond memories of the peace, love and joy the former brought us even though it was harder? Can we even recall if the latter brought us any happiness and if it did was it not fleeting?

Let us lead our lives worthy of being called the children of God, created in His image and likeness. To lead one another closer to Him by our love and care. To guard ourselves against sin and to be faithful to God’s Word. Amen

FIRST READING
James 5:1–6

GOSPEL
Mark 9:41–50

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

“All in due time…” , “when the time is right..” “When I retire.. “” After I’ve made my first million..” Only then will we have time to do the Will of God? What if tonight we draw our last breath?

Rather let us live in God’s time, His Will be done. What then could be of worry to us? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

So wonderful and powerful is the name of our Lord that whosoever believes in Him with all their heart and does His Will can do mighty deeds in His name.

Let all who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, who love and serve our brethren; stand united as we wear the name engraved in our hearts, Christian! A disciple of Jesus. Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:13–17

GOSPEL
Mark 9:38–40

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

Living in the world it is easy to see how much self centredness, selfishness exist. People want what they want and are often not patient about it. If things don’t go as planned or if they don’t get what they want, they are sometimes even willing to kill for it. They want not to lead but rather to dominate. They have a primal need to display their prowess and it is important that others bow down before them. They live for themselves yet do they still question, “Where is God?”

Why will we ever have a need to attend leadership courses? When we can learn from the best that ever lived, that ever is and will ever be; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If only we would open our hearts to listen!

Are we truly children of God? Do we spend time gazing into our heavenly Father’s eyes in prayer and contemplation? Do we seek His Counsel in all aspects of our life? Are our hearts filled with joy in unity with all of His children?

Let us with one voice declare, “I am a child of God together with my brethren. I seek to lead all His children home to Him.” Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 9:30–37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Pride, self importance, self ambitions and the wisdom of the world are some of the tools of the evil one. We are robbed of our peace when we succumb to them. Even amidst an injustice done against us we should seek the Lord’s wisdom so as not to allow evil to prevail over us. The Lord’s peace is upon us regardless the outcome.

Let us never put our Lord to the test but in proper reverance and love for Him seek to grow in faith. Such faith that can move mountains for all things are possible with our Lord. And as we grow in faith let us constantly empty ourselves of all that is worldly and in prayer come before Jesus, so that He can fill us with His grace. He hears, heals and answers our prayers. Amen

FIRST READING
James 3:13–18

GOSPEL
Mark 9:14–29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

Oh how much hurt and pain we cause by our words! Oh how sharp our tongues that we have caused the death of the spirit in some! We can choose instead to remain with and in our Lord Jesus Christ by being slow to speak, to reflect on Him and His Word and to speak lovingly through His grace.

Let us go often before our Lord Jesus to be transformed by Him to be made pure; so that we can go down the mountain to be His light for all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

Let us also keep our Holy Father Pope Francis in our prayers…..

(Feast Of The Chair Of St Peter)

FIRST READING
James 3:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 9:2–13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Are we armchair Christians? Do we pray and love from afar? Do we avoid all forms of conflict or resistance, even if practices are against our faith so as to keep the ‘peace’? Do we offer a few dollars for the poor, aged and sick but spend no time with them?

The World wants us to avoid the ‘heavy’ burden of the Cross so that we can run free and be free to do as we please. To experience all the World has to offer, lots of money, luxury, unbridled sex and other such ‘nectars’ of life! Soon the noose tightens and it’s too late…

The reality is that the weight of the World weighs us down while it is the Cross of Christ that liberates us. The burdens we carry and Yes there will be burdens will be easy for it is the yoke of Jesus upon us. Our loving Lord gives the strength, courage and means to carry on living a full and fruitful life. When we are weary He will give us rest. Let us then take up our cross with joy as we walk onwards to our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:14–24, 26

GOSPEL
Mark 8:34––9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

He also said to them,
“Amen, I say to you,
there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

What good is my name if I do not the Will of my heavenly Father? What good is my name if I am not  known to be loving and kind? What good is my name if I am not patient or merciful? What good is my name of I do not bring hope or joy? What good is my name if I do not bring peace? What good is my name if not a single soul can see Christ in me?

Let me always walk with and in Christ as He walks in me. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:1–9

GOSPEL
Mark 8:27–33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Persevere dear sisters and brothers, persevere in holiness amidst trials,suffering and temptations. Draw your strength and wisdom NOT from men but from our Lord.

Our sweet and loving Lord knows our limitations and our weaknesses. He desires that we grow in strength, faith and love. So He patiently and gently urges on, picks us up and dust us off when we fall. He opens our hearts and minds slowly so that we can not only see and feel but understand and embrace all that is from Him.

Let us strive to climb up the Holy mountain of our Lord and help one another along the way. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:19–27

GOSPEL
Mark 8:22–26

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked,
“Do you see anything?”
Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”