We live in a high paced world where technological advancements rage on to make our lives easier and more comfortable. We pride ourselves on our achievements on using the resources and our resourcefulness to create historical breakthroughs. Have we forgotten God? His loving hand in all things? The gifts and talents we received from Him?

Left to our own device how easy it is to choose wrong from right. After all we decide on our own what is good and what is evil. And unless we turn back to God our loving Father, our choice of living will be our very own destruction.

Let us strive always to turn away from sin; stay focused on Christ looking ahead, to be faithful to His Word and to do God’s Will for us. Amen.

FIRST READING
Wisdom 13:1–9

GOSPEL
Luke 17:26–37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”

Knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit is what drives us forward each grace filled day in His Kingdom here on earth.

Though sickness, trials and persecutions may befall us, we carry our cross bravely, for our hope is in Christ. His light flashes brightly and mightily across dark skies.

And when we pass from this earth we have joyous hope that we will walk with our Lord in paradise. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 7:22b–8:1

GOSPEL
Luke 17:20–25

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

Oh how arrogant was I Lord! There were many times I behaved badly and went overboard by putting others down for their lack of or poor service. Then there have been times I was curt and ill tempered towards the people I led. And while I sometimes acknowledged my failings and accepted them, I made no resolve to go further into correcting them or to grow in faith and love. Have mercy on me Lord.

I know now that as disciples of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that all of us have a higher calling; to always seek to build up first and foremost. To tear down empty pride and idleness in ourselves and to lead by example. To always give thanks and praise to the one we serve from whom all grace, all gifts, all talents, all goodness comes. To give thanks to His instruments, His people, our brethren for the good they do. For it is by His loving hand that they have been given the grace and love to do so.

I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is my act of love and humility; to acknowledge that You are my King and pray that You continue to reign in my heart for all eternity. I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is to acknowledge Your great love for me. I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is to recognize Your loving hand in all things big and small. For now and forever more, I offer ceaseless thanks and praise to You, my Lord, my God. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 6:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 17:11–19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Heavenly Father, we often only see our parents as having given us life and forget that it by Your loving hand that we breathe and bear your likeness. Even then some do not acknowledge You as Father let alone Lord and King. Either due to invincible ignorance of not yet having the opportunity to know about You or for those that do, then Sin has blinded them to the fact.

With eyes and heart opened to do Your Will, I now see that You were never trying to be my puppetmaster. Instead You sought only to love and prosper me; more than a loving Father, more than a groom for his bride, more than anyone or anything our puny minds can wrap around.

And when I love and serve You my Lord, my God with all my heart, with all my soul, in all humility; there is nothing I shall want. There are no rewards to seek for all the treasures in the world and beyond are unlocked and yet all I’ll ever need is You. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 2:23–3:9

GOSPEL
Luke 17:7–10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

In a temper Lord, wisdom, love, and what is good within us departs. Those of us who struggle to walk in the light feel broken, hurt and outraged because we responded wrongly to the vicious attacks of only those close to us know how to. And still was it not our sinful pride that opened the floodgates? Why do we choose turmoil over the peace and love of You who dwell within us when we are free from the debt of sin? Lord have mercy and help us.

Lord Jesus, we know from Your Word that all that we do and say can either draw others to You and Your Kingdom or lead them far away. Let us always choose that which is right and good. Lord have mercy and help us.

O merciful Lord You taught us to be forgiving as You are forgiving towards us for our numerous sins against You. Fill us with Your love and give us Your strength to overcome the hurt and pain caused by those who seek our forgiveness, so that we may never ever hold it back and be bound by unforgiveness. Lord have mercy and help us. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 1:1–7

GOSPEL
Luke 17:1–6

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”

And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Oh how I love to be in Church worshipping my Lord, my God!

But it was not always so…. I use to attend out of obligation and so was often distracted either in thought, word and deed.  We among friends, talked, joked and laughed before, during and after mass albeit softly thinking no one heard or cared. It was easy to look at others and judge them by their appearance or to attend mass to see and be seen.  I’d sing if I felt like it but would always be a little more reverent at the consecration though not fully understanding why.

I am indeed saddened to think that years had past by before I finally awoke to the rich and glorious splendour of the liturgy and to be worshipping as one in our One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.  To know without reservation that I am among my brethren worshipping our ever present and living God.

To be able to rid myself of all evil and to be cleansed through the Sacrament of Reconciliation so as to receive my Lord Jesus through Holy Communion so as to be a living tabernacle within my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am one with my Church as my Church is one with me. And with Jesus in me, living waters of His Love and Peace can flow; fruitful and abundant. O Lord, my God, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen

READING

Ezekiel 47:1–2, 8–9, 12

GOSPEL
John 2:13–22

Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money–changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money–changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty–six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

O Lord my God, it is so easy for us to get caught up in the world. Often we lose ourselves in getting the best deals or making them. All the wheeling and dealing we do is to survive or so we think. When we thrive we pride ourselves as being astute, and if we should fail the blame often falls on the economy or bad markets. But where were You in our lives? What did we do for You or for our brethren?

Everything we have or own comes from You. Yet do we reap what we have not sown? Lord Jesus it is only through You, with You and in You that we become the stewards our heavenly Father wants us to be. In the footsteps of St Paul, let us be good stewards; Priests, prophet and King for our loved ones and our brethren. Working together to build Your Kingdom. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 15:14–21

GOSPEL
Luke 16:1–8

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”

Lord Jesus I strive each and every day to live for You but all too often I find myself falling into the clutches of sin. I am indeed weak Lord, guilt often reminds me that I am nothing but a worm crawling on my belly in shame. But You O Lord are my hope, for as I lay hidden in darkness You seek me out with Your light. You restore me to whom I was created to be; A child of God.

Let me never forget that there are others as I once was, who are not yet aware of Your great love and mercy. Who are still groping in the dark hoping for a way out. Let me never turn by back on them as often some ‘righteous’ people do.

In humility through and for the love of You, let me bring them Your hope, peace and love. Washed clean in Your blood we will stand together with the angels in heaven singing the praises of our one ever living triune God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 14:7–12

GOSPEL
Luke 15:1–10

The 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 Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety–nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety–nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be

God is love and all that is love comes from God. All that God created was for love and fashioned through and in love. Because we are born in love it is only right that we love our creator and yet by love, we have the freedom to choose whether to do so or not.

To love one another, we must do so with the love of God in our hearts for only then do we truly love. Sin often blinds us to this fact and so our love has limitations, even conditions; lest we are freed from that which blinds and binds us.

When we put family and others before God, we have made a choice to live in the world, to live and love according to its values. The world we create for ourselves gets smaller while we become bigger.

To love and honour God above all things is to love and bear our cross. To spend time in Communion with our Lord and God through prayer. To partake of the bread of life. We live not in this world or of it, but thrive in Our heavenly Father’s vast Kingdom here on earth as we await our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 13:8–10

GOSPEL
Luke 14:25–33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Forgive me Lord for not pondering deeply and often enough what it means to be in Holy Communion, not just with or in You but with my brethren.

I had not shared my gifts and talents given by You with my community, my excuse was time and more pressing priorities. For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

Instead of acknowledging, building upon the strengths and gifts of my brethren l dwelled instead on their faults. I was unforgiving…For this I was truly not in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For all other reasons other than work, death or sickness in which I scheduled in the Sunday Eucharist or attended the Sat vigil to fit my personal plans instead of recognising that it is a special day set aside to be with You in celebration… For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For not participating fully in the Eucharistic celebration, my immodest dressing, my irreverence… For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For not striving to grow in faith or living my life according to Your Word that I may join my brethren in building Your Kingdom Lord… For this I was not in truly Communion, forgive me Lord.

I seek Your help Lord! Open my eyes and my heart, transform me Lord. Let me always remain in Communion with You and my brethren. May You dwell in all of us O Lord.. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 12:5–16ab

GOSPEL
Luke 14:15–24

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’”

Merciful Lord though I was not worthy to be in Your presence by my frequent disobedience, nor did I merit Your kindness, You have shown me mercy and love.

Though I have been blind and deaf to Your Word, You have shown me mercy and love.

Though I have been crippled by my sins and lame in my service, You have shown me mercy and love.

Let me now be a beacon of Your mercy and love. Let me be merciful and loving to those who cannot fend for themselves, who are in need. Let me be merciful and loving to those who live in the darkness of sin, let me bring Your light. Let me be merciful and loving to all who criticise, reject and persecute me especially those who do so for the work I do in Your name. Let it all be for the Glory of Your name, who live and reign with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 11:29–36

GOSPEL
Luke 14:12–14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Today Lord we remember our loved ones, family members and our dear friends who have passed on to their eternal rest. But most of all the reason for our hope and joy, You our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God our Father, with this hope we pray for all souls that they are all purified and made worthy through the precious blood of our Savior. So that they walk with You in paradise. Amen

(All Souls Day)
GOSPEL
Luke 7:11–17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

Dear Lord I have often wondered who can be saved? With so many temptations and distractions it is indeed a daily struggle. I often find myself crying out to You O Lord, why? Why must I fall over and over again? And then I begin to realise that I should cling to my cross and not abandon it even for a moment.

Bathe me in Your precious blood O Lord that I may be made pure. As I walk this earth, let me be blessing to You and a blessing to my brethren. And when I pass, let me be counted among Your Holy ones gathered around Your throne. Amen

(All Saints Day)
FIRST READING
Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14

SECOND READING
1 John 3:1–3

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1–12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

So great is Your Love for us Jesus that You hung on a cross for us. By Your death and resurrection, we have life. And yet we often set our futures on death by choosing to sin. Choosing to live in the now! Choosing our addictions, our sinful pleasures, turning our backs on the One who truly loves us; our Lord and our God.

We come before You Lord Jesus, sinful and sorrowful. Have mercy and embrace us with Your love. Transform us so that we may be pleasing to God our Father. Let nothing separate us from the love of God our loving Father. We ask this in Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 8:31b–39

GOSPEL
Luke 13:31–35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

O Holy Spirit, my counselor, my guide. Thank You for your undying efforts to keep me on the narrow path towards the heavenly Kingdom..

In Your mercy I pray that You continue to be patient with me. Especially in times when I received the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ unworthily.  Without first doing an examination of conscience or making a perfect contrition.

For times when I did not allow His Word to transform me; for not taking up my cross to follow Him. For the many times I was present at the Eucharistic Celebration, but NOT present in heart, mind or spirit. For not participating fully in the celebration. For not sharing the Gospel with others as I am called to do at the end of every celebration.   O Jesus, my Lord have mercy on me a sinner! Holy Spirit be my strength and my guide always so that I will NEVER hear my Lord say to me “I do not know where you are from.” Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 8:26–30

GOSPEL
Luke 13:22–30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Lord let our sufferings and our worries NOT blind us to Your glorious Kingdom here on earth. Let us always remember that You created us in love, to love and be loved by You.

Let both our will and intellect be joined in union with You. And let the seed of Your loving Word take root in our hearts; so that it may grow to such extent that it cannot be contained. As such let the outpouring of Your love spread so that Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 8:18–25

GOSPEL
Luke 13:18–21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

Today I am reminded of the importance of leaving the cares of the world behind to have some quiet time in the embrace of my loving God through prayer. This is where is how I draw my strength, my source of Grace, my wisdom, my love. In union with my Lord and my God, I am ready to be sent.

To share and invite everyone into the fullness of life with God our loving Father, His Son our loving Saviour Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit together with His angels and His Saints. Amen

(Saints Simon and Jude – Feast)
1st Reading
Eph 2:19-22

GOSPEL
Lk 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Why are we afraid of death? Death comes to us all, the righteous and unrighteous. If we should fear death then let us only fear eternal death. For having lived an unrepentant life. A selfish, self serving life of deceit and wanton desires. Of idly watching the world go by, of not standing up for anything or anyone. Of not lifting a finger to help or assist those in need.

Jesus You are my hope for eternal life and even if death befalls me, I shall not fear. Let me always be joined with You, my Lord so that through You I might bear fruit. Let the wellsprings of Your love flow through me into the hearts of whom You send my way. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 8:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 13:1–9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

How did I not hear Your call? Or Your Will for me in the Scriptures Lord? As it is written and proclaimed from the pulpit? Was I deaf and blinded by Sin? How could I not see the many signs of Yours for my direction? How could I be sorry without repentance or restitution? How did I think I could break my neighbour’s window, apologize but do nothing about its restoration?

I recall the day of my sweet surrender to You, my loving Lord, my God. You embraced me with Your love and opened by eyes and ears to Your divine Word. Praise be to You my Lord Jesus Christ.

Throughout the rest of my life Lord, let me spend time with You discerning Your Will for me. Let me never speak or act hastily, in times of distress or anger. Be quick to guide and lead me my dear Jesus. And having learnt from the errors of my ways, let me steer others away from the potholes of sin onto Your narrow path to salvation. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 7:18–25a

GOSPEL
Luke 12:54–59

Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Thank You my ever living God, for the most precious life giving gift of Your Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ. For the bonds of my sins are broken and I am free to love and serve You.

Jesus my Lord, the fire of Your Love and the Holy Spirit burns brightly from deep within me. Let this fire never wane inspite of the efforts of those who try as they might to extinguish it directly or indirectly.

Let me bring Your peace and love even amidst opposition from family, friends and others. Soften the hearts of those who resist You because of sin which has blinded them to Your love. And let me be beacon of Your Love, by my reverance, by my thoughts, my words, my actions; so that I may help bring others to the knowledge of You, our hope, our salvation. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 6:19–23

GOSPEL
Luke 12:49–53

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother–in–law against her daughter–in–law and a daughter–in–law against her mother–in–law.”

Oh Lord my God, have mercy on me. For the many times I have fallen to sin and continued to do so. Some sins I clung to because the lure and the distraction from the dreary or mundane was too great to pass up. That led me to greater sins which blinded me to everything and everyone. Selfishness and a general disregard for others was a norm. It became all about me…

In that darkness I groped and sought You out. You were my light at the end of the tunnel and it was You my dear Jesus that took me by the hand and led me out. My strength my hope, my salvation! Embraced in Your love and in the service of others I now live a fulfilled life.

Let me always stand ready and prepared for Your return, my Jesus. Let me always recognise and guard against the wiles of the evil one. Let me always grow in the knowledge of You. Let me always grow in faith, love and charity. Let me always bring Your peace, Your hope, Your love and Your message of salvation to all. I make this prayer through You my Jesus who live and reign with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 6:12–18

GOSPEL
Luke 12:39–48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the foo allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

We are so quick to extinguish Your light in us Lord Jesus, when we choose to remain angry and spiteful when others hurt us. When we react with unforgiveness or plot out revenge. When we allow temptations and sins of the flesh to overpower us.

But You sweet Jesus are our hope and strength. Help to stay focused on You as we await Your return. Help us remain steadfast in Your love. And most of all, Jesus let Your light shine brightly within us, so that we may beacons for one another. We ask this in Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 5:12, 15b, 17–19, 20b–21

GOSPEL
Luke 12:35–38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”

Dear Lord, many of us lead fearful lives wondering if we will have enough for tomorrow. And yet others would question what is enough? They want to leave a legacy behind for their children and grand children. In this day and age where almost everything is about numbers and statistics, I would imagine only one in five hundred thousand would leave everything to Your divine providence having walked in faith with You. Would it be easier to take that leap from having nothing to begin with?

My Jesus ever growing in my love for You, I too want to totally leave the cares of the world behind just as Father Abraham did. And though I have a faith strong enough to know that You love me and what’s best for me, I am worried for my family who have not come to the same faith. Guide me as I lead them and others on to an exciting and wonderful adventure in Your love, building Your Kingdom. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 4:20–25

GOSPEL
Luke 12:13–21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

How easy it is for us Lord to lose faith in times of persecution or injustice. To lose it when we are attacked or when we fall victim to a vicious rumour.

Let us not be discouraged or fall into the trap of despair and sin. For You O Lord have given us a powerful advocate to guide us, to teach us how and when to speak Your truth. Let always be faith filled and faithful. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 4:13, 16–18

GOSPEL
Luke 12:8–12

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

Lord I was afraid to speak about You with anyone other than my immediate family. Even then the conversations about You would have been superficial. Fear of ridicule would have been the main reason more than anything else, because I didn’t truly know You or very much about the faith I embraced as a child. Growing up I’ve loved the idea of my faith and held on to it without further growth or understanding.

I do regret not surrendering to Your love and Will for me much sooner. For I know now could have led a grace filled life full of joy and peace. Suffering would have just been a means to grow closer to You. Thank You Lord once again for Your love and patience with me.

I commit the rest of my life into serving You and others to the very best of my ability, with the gifts and talents You have bestowed upon me. I accept the hardship and suffering to come for You are my rock, my strength. May the Holy Spirit be my guide and my beacon. If I should fall, come swiftly to my aid Lord Jesus. In Your most precious name, Amen.

FIRST READING
2 Timothy 4:10–17b

GOSPEL
Luke 10:1–9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy–two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

Why did I bring up the past faults and failures of others including family, friends even priests? By displaying them was I saying I was set apart? That I was without sin? By my self righteousness, how many have I led away from You my Lord Jesus? Did my blindness cause others to be blind? Did I tear down when I should have been building up? Have mercy on me O Lord!

Though we did nothing to merit it, You our loving Lord came to save us all. By Your life, death and resurrection, You have set us free. Let me never forget the price You paid for me; so that I may always recall Your love for me as I serve my brethren with that same love and humility. Let me strive always to build Your Kingdom and lead others to that same vision. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 3:21–30

GOSPEL
Luke 11:47–54

The Lord said:
“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

Mercy on me, Lord Jesus for I too have been judgemental. Instead of extending the same patience and forbearance I had received from You, I had displayed a misplaced righteous behaviour towards others.

How did I think I could buy my way into Your Kingdom by performing good deeds alone without love? By observing all our Holy Church teaches us without constant self examination, without a contrite heart, without reaching out to others in love and friendship?

As I grew in my faith, I failed to realize that the smallest sin I commit against You as compared to the large ones in others weighed far greater.

Lord Jesus guide me always in Your ways, let me love You and others always in heart, mind, soul and in my deeds. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 2:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 11:42–46

The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Like many Lord Jesus, I often put up a front. Perhaps it started out as a coping mechanism, to avoid being hurt as well as not to expose any vulnerability which someone might later use against me. Trouble is that after a while I lost myself, as I developed and put on different personas. This progressed into living a lie for which You were no longer present in my life. Other people or things became more important. I didn’t know how to love.

Bless You and praise You O Lord my God! For true love comes from. When I turned back to You, I was cleansed and filled with Your divine love. Striving to know all about You and to emulate You, I now have genuine love for my brethren. Let me never lose my focus on You as I serve and lead others to You. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 1:16–25

GOSPEL
Luke 11:37–41

After Jesus had spoken,
a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Dear Jesus, how different is one generation to the next? Are we any less wicked then in the past? Ethnic cleansing, abortions, mercy killings, torture, rape, pornography, sadism, indifference to poverty, the old and sick, orphans, the list goes on..

I could have easily gone down that wide and treacherous path, had Your love and patience not touched me. Your call to repentance was also an invitation to have a relationship with You.

Help me bring others to the knowledge of You, to guide, teach and show them Your ways. By Your Grace and through Your love, I may deepen their understanding and foster a loving relationship with You. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 1:1–7

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.”

Today Lord, I reflect deeply on this main points…

There is only One Almighty and powerful God who is merciful and loving to His children. In His infinite Goodness He gives His loving children protection from all evil.

Our blessed Mother Mary leads all her children to her Son and bids us all; listen to Him. The Word made flesh by the incarnation has come to feed, nourish and save us. Amen

FIRST READING
Joel 4:12–21

GOSPEL
Luke 11:27–28

While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

How naive was I Lord that being forgiven with guilt removed I didn’t see the need to make restitution; do penance. It all seemed arbitrary!

I now see the wisdom and beauty of Your call to repentance in which penance complements and completes it. If done properly by working towards and through it in love and deep reflection, it helps eradicate the hold of sins and addictions to some. Otherwise the next time we fall, we may never get up or it may prove very much more difficult.

Let me never forget that Sin is never a private affair. It hurts and damages relationships, it breaks Communion with You and with one another. Lord Jesus in Your mercy strengthen me against all temptations to Sin. With You on my side what evil can ever hope to prevail? Let me always remain in Communion with You physically and/or spiritually. Let me always walk in Your light and on the narrow path. And let me lead others to do likewise. Amen.

FIRST READING
Joel 1:13–15; 2:1–2

GOSPEL
Luke 11:15–26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd 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.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Yes Lord I recall my arrogance, irreverence and selfishness. If anyone asked me to rank the importance of things or people in my life, I would always be quick to say God, family, friends, others then me. But the way I led my life was contrary to my declaration.

Forgive me my loving Father but You were often missing from my mind in anything and everything I did, lest there was a crisis. Never mind strangers, I was equally selfish if not more so to my family members. And if I did anything for a friend, it was likely that I would be hoping for a favour to be returned some day.

I was indeed lacking in love and charity. “Why can’t you get it yourself?” or “Can’t you ask someone else who has more time?” “Do you think money grows on trees?” I might say from time to time. Still I might give a little reluctantly if they nagged me enough.

With a grateful heart, I give You thanks and praise loving and ever generous Father. For You have shown me such great love and generosity that I cannot do any less for my brethren. You have taught and shown me that in giving generously, wholly of oneself, and with no expectations; there is much spiritual growth and rewards.

Oh what Blessed assurance You give me, that all my prayers will be answered according to Your Will and Your love for me! And so even if the answer to my prayer is No, I will give You thanks and praise. Amen

FIRST READING
Malachi 3:13–20b

GOSPEL
Luke 11:5–13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; 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. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

O Lord my God forgive me, for the many times I let pride blind me to Your mercy for others. Instead of reaching out to them in Your love, I secretly judged them as unworthy. Instead of praying for them in love, so that they may be saved; I prayed for blind justice to be served whether or not they were repentant but prideful or that they could not see a way out of their bondage from sin.

I am worthy to be Your child only because You have made me worthy. I who learned to love only because You showed me how by Your love. You who saved me from the devastation and damnation of a sinful life by Your bountiful mercy. How did I not see that You would want the same for all Your creation, my brethren?

Thank You Jesus for teaching us the most perfect and complete prayer. A prayer of perfect love which begins and comes from a relationship with our loving and heavenly Father. A prayer of unity among the children in Communion with our one triune God. On a foundation of everlasting divine love and mercy. Amen.

FIRST READING
Jonah 4:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 11:1–4

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Thank You Jesus for allowing to serve You and my brethren. For allowing me to bear witness to Your glory in so many incidents and ways. Forgive me for the many times I lost focus on You when I compared sufferings and hardships with others. When I craved recognition for the work I had done from my peers and from others. For times I allowed myself to be overwhelmed and became petty, impatient even at times resentful.

My sweet loving Jesus, please allow me to fall deep in Your love. Let me always turn to You when it starts getting a little too difficult to bear, for I am certain You will give me rest. You will refresh and strengthen me. And when I’m ready, You will send me out to participate in Your masterplan for the world. Praise be to You O Lord my God! Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:38–42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Lord Jesus I come before You today ashamed as I recall my past. “Love your neighbour” was just a lovely concept to me. For I didn’t know how to love. It was all always about me, “if anyone loves me then I will love them. If they are unkind to me, I’ll be equally unkind to them or more.” “I am Christian and I love my faith, and that will never change but even if I don’t go as often to Church I know in my heart God loves me and I love Him.”

You my dear Jesus, have opened my eyes to see the true light and the beauty of love in action. And this can only come with a relationship with You which grows and goes deeper over time. To know You is to spend time with You, in deep reflection of Your Word and learning to live like You. To dwell in Your heart as You dwell in mine as I take up my cross.

To love You is to love others, and to serve You is to serve others. There is no life without You and life with You is to die in Your embrace so that I may truly live!

Bearing all these in mind, let my heart and my eyes be opened always to the needs of others. Let my mouth speak to them of Your love.  Let my hands show them Your love as I gently tend to their wounds, feed, clothe and bathe them in Your love. Let me care for them as I lead them home to You. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:25–37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half–dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

How I look forward my Lord Jesus, to sharing with You many more of my adventures in Your love. For I have witnessed and experienced both Your power and Your love.

If I possess an inclination to boast, let it be only of You my loving and compassionate God.  For there is none like You!

Today our Loving Father, we celebrate and rejoice as we encounter Your great love for us; for as we have responded to Your call,You have opened our hearts and minds to depths of Your heart through Your Word.  We love and thank You Father, for Your Son and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:17–24

The seventy–two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’o and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

O Sweet and tender hearted Jesus, I cannot fathom how it is like for You when someone rejects Your love, Your infinite goodness?

I can only offer up my tears as I weep for all who obstinately reject You. For all who listen to Your call but turn their backs as they choose to live their lives according to the World. For all who are bound by their addictions and sins and now feel they are in a bottomless pit. For all who have hardened their hearts, blinded by pride their intellect is obscured by their personal achievements and vainglory. For all who have seen and encountered Your mighty deeds and works in their life and yet easily forget You when things are good and wonderful in their lives.

Lord I plead for mercy on them, soften their hearts so that they may see the error of their ways. Be patient and merciful as You have with me. Let me be an instrument of Your peace and love to bring them back to You.

And in Your mercy hear the prayers of Your children around the globe for the conversion of sinners as together we say….

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. Amen.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St Francis of Assisi, we pray today as one united family for the conversion of sinners. We ask this through Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever amen.

(Memorial Of St Francis Of Assisi)

GOSPEL
Luke 10:13–16

Jesus said to them,
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

I had often pondered on the urgent, stern and rather frightening message at the end of this Gospel. And foolishly even childishly thought it was a scare tactic. However I realise now that Sin blinds us to the truth and the facts.

The Kingdom of God is at hand for us indeed, by the loving Grace of our heavenly Father. Only if we desire and choose to live our lives worthy of our heavenly inheritance. And even then we are made worthy by Your Son through Communion with Him.

Loving Lord, let me always walk in steadfast faith, love, with the grace of God and the companionship of the Holy Spirit. Let me share Your loving promise of salvation fulfilled, with all who will listen. Soften the hearts of those who are obstinately deaf to Your Word so that they too may have hope when their ears are finally open. Let me bring Your healing, Your Love, Your peace; Let me bring You my Jesus into the hearts of my brethren. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:1–12

Jesus appointed seventy–two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

Lord I come before You now with a humble heart desiring truly to serve You only according to Your Will. Let me never lose sight that it is You my Jesus that I serve. For it is in my fallen nature to sometimes crave recognition or even a position of influence or power.

Thank You Lord, for the powerful reminder of what it means to be a child of God. To be free from the lustful desires of the World. To be innocent, pure and reliant on Your Good Counsel and providence. On us, You bestow Your Graces abundantly.

I am reminded also of Your great love for us, for by Your incarnation You came to us as a babe. A clear message that You did not come to judge, but to save us. And likewise I too should not condemn but to assist in Your name, in saving our Heavenly Father’s Children; my brethren. To seek always to bring those who desire to follow You, closer to the deeper relationship You desire through Your Church. Sweet Jesus be my guide always. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 9:46–50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Thank You Jesus for the many blessings showered on my family and me. Thank You for allowing us to witness Your glory today and everyday.

May we stand ready when suffering befalls so that we can unite our sufferings with Yours at the cross and with all the sufferings of our brethren in the world. May our suffering never be in vain; but bring us closer to You. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 9:43b–45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

If someone asked me a few years ago, “Who is Jesus? And who is he to you?”  I would most likely have given them a historical account of You. I may even have thrown in a few phrases learnt from Catechism, like “He is the Son of God…” “A messiah sent to save us from sins” “He died on the cross for us so that we may live.”  All said with conviction and yet hidden behind a smile would lie a little secret skepticism, not from unbelief but an untrained and unschooled mind. Deep in my heart I knew that I would never need to go elsewhere to search for the truth, no other faith could ever come close. Sadly all the treasures I would ever need in this lifetime lay before me and yet I was blind to it all. I was deaf to Your Word and a mute as one not able to sing Your praises.

Then on that most memorable day in the adoration room, when I lay prostrate at Your feet in total surrender.  You answered my prayer to truly know and to love You. You filled me with Your peace and Your love. My eyes were opened to the wonders of You and the Church You established. My ears could finally hear Your voice in the Word, and I understood like never before. My mouth uttered your praises, and I could lift my voice up in prayer and song. And if anyone today asked me the same question, “Who is Jesus? And who is he to you?” I would answer, “He is my Lord and my God!” “He is the Son of the living God, who truly loves all of us and wants us to have a deep meaningful relationship with Him.” Then I would begin if they would allow me, to share with them all the wonders of You my Jesus. Of how You are real today as You were in the beginning of time.

And I would declare with all my heart that You, Lord Jesus are my all in all! And though I will never fully know all there is to know about You for You are an infinite depth of knowledge and love. I will treasure every little bit that I do know of You….Dwell always in my heart, my Lord and my God. Amen

GOSPEL

Luke 9:18–22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “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.”

When did my soul first blacken? Which grave sin placed me on the road of Shadows? Was it lust? Or was it the murder of spirits by my loose vulgar tongue combined with rage? Lord though I couldn’t remember when it happened, I never forgot that there were once at least one or two good church going persons who believed wholeheartedly what You taught. And whom were once in my life…

Every now and then I would catch a glimpse of Your good people and wonder if I could ever have what they seem to have….. Peace. So many times You called out to me but I dared not listen for I thought how could You love a sinner such as I?

Thank You Jesus for loving me the way You do. Thank You for those who had prayed for my return. Thank You for giving me the courage not just to see You, but to seek and find You. Thank You for having mercy on me and transforming me with Your love.

I pray now for all those who have strayed far from You. May they come to know You personally through me, Your many gentle Shepherds or that they respond through Your loving call. And find You as I have; waiting with merciful, gentle and loving arms ready to embrace them. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 9:7–9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

My Lord Jesus Christ, at every Eucharistic celebration you send me out to go into the world to share the Good News, to heal and restore.  Forgive me Lord, for I was not prepared, nor was I truly listening with my heart.

I had a lukewarm faith believing that Your call was meant only for a certain few and that for the rest of us, we could somehow touch others by the way we live our lives as Christians. How wrong was I Lord? How could I expect to touch anyone with a lukewarm faith? If everyone chose to live only by example who will ever hear of Your sweet name? How do I glorify You with my lips sealed? You gave me a complete body, mind and soul should I not offer all of myself up to You?

You empower me Lord Jesus and it is You alone that I need. For when I go in Your name, I go with an assurance that You are with me every step of the way. What will I ever need that You will not provide? When I speak let my words be Your Words, when I think, let Your thoughts by my thoughts. Let me be patient with others as You were patient with me. Let me bring healing in Your name as You have healed me. Let me bring restoration in Your name as You have restored me. Let me bring Your peace, love and joy to all whom I meet; by Your Word Lord, by Your Word. And let me continue to pray for the conversion of all those who obstinately refuse to listen now. For You alone can soften their hearts…..I ask this in Your most Holy name, You who live and reign with the Father and The Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 9:1–6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

When someone would greet me with the term brother in church, I would cringe thinking to myself who is your brother? Fault finding was a norm, he/she doesn’t know how to dress appropriately, he/she is proud and I’m not greeting him/her anymore. The choir is too loud, the wardens are more like prison ones who never learned to smile.

I realised that all this was a result of not having a relationship with You, my Lord, my God. For being part of the body of Christ was a concept not a practice. It is only when my relationship with You grew in love, did my understanding and love for my sisters and brothers in Christ grow too. I started learning to love them; my fellow sinners we, who are all struggling to remain steadfast and faithful.

Those who are irreverent in dressing or demeanor had not yet encountered You in a personal way and it was up to us Your family to patiently and prayerfully facilitate that encounter so that they too can experience the joy of knowing You on a deeper level through Your Word.

Lord Jesus, we are one body in You and You in us. Grant us the wisdom, knowledge and courage to listen to Your Word and to act on it according to Your Will. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 8:19–21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

It is indeed strange Lord that I kept secrets from You. You who knows my innermost heart.

Some secrets were kept in the guise of not offending or hurting family and friends. However it is the nature of sin to expose secrets at an opportune time. Even if I were dead, the surfacing of them would not embarrass or hurt any less. ‘The truth will set you free’ seemed more a cliché or tool for people to spill it out. But it is indeed a truth of truths. For the secrets we speak of today are sinful burdensome ones. They bind, they suffocate even paralyse. I deprived myself of the Graces needed for healing and liberation.

Only when I gave You the truth of my heart with a contrite Spirit, was I set free to love and be loved. You transformed me that I gave out such a glow that others too wanted to know what I did to achieve it. And all I can ever say is all glory be to the Father and son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, let me be for now and always a beacon of Your Love. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 8:16–18

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

How many times did You call me Lord but I obstinately refused to follow You. Thinking I was young, I wanted to see, touch, experience everything without regard for rules or regulations. I wandered far from You, and as a result made a mess of my life; one with the cold and loneliness of not experiencing true peace and love.

I didn’t know how to love and was fearful of many things. The little light in my darkness was Your Blessed mother Mary, who I’m very sure prevented me on many occasions from falling over the ‘cliff’. She showed me the path back to You, reassuring me that You were always patiently waiting for my return.

Now that I have responded to Your call to follow You, my Lord and my God; You have forgiven and restored me. In Your mercy, You have healed my wounds and given me peace and love. I have begun learning to love as You do. Let me extend that same mercy and love to all especially those who are difficult love. Let me keep company with sinners whom normally I would shy away from, so that in time I may bring them to the knowledge of You and Your great love for them.  Through the intercession of St Matthew may I remain sure-footed in walking in Your light. In Your name Lord Jesus I pray….Amen

(Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Feast)

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”